Proposal for Mkhwanazi ad hoc committee to use Parly lawyers rejected

African National Congress (ANC) MP Molapi Lekganyane delivers opening address on August 5, 2025 after being elected as Chairperson of the ad hoc committee investigating KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s allegations.

A submission by the African National Congress (ANC) that Parliament’s legal services should lead evidence in the ad hoc committee probing allegations of police corruption has not been supported by some parties in the committee.

The matter was discussed as part of the committee’s terms of reference.

Its establishment flows from allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of corruption that includes top South African Police Service (SAPS) management and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who has since been placed on special leave.

Ultimately, the committee decided to use external legal counsel to lead evidence.

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Leigh-Ann Matthys voiced her reservations about the initial proposal by the ANC.

Matthys says, “The proposal that Parliamentary Legal Services should serve as evidence leaders, the statement is deeply flawed. The credibility of this process requires independence and Parliamentary staff are structurally subjected to the authority of the Speaker and also the Chief Whip of the ANC.”

The committee will, over the next two days, sign off on its terms of reference.

The terms of reference include that Mkhwanazi will be the first to appear before it.

Committee Chairperson Molapi Lekganyane says, “The final draft will be circulated within the next two days…and when everybody has seen that final draft, and is satisfied, it captures the decisions of the meeting, it will be adopted.”