A joint meeting between the Portfolio Committee on Police and the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development on Tuesday recommended that the National Assembly (NA) establish an Ad Hoc Committee to consider the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi has made allegations of corruption, political interference, and malfeasance, specifically accusing Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of unilaterally disbanding the Political Killings Task Team and redirecting 121 active investigation dockets to the office of National Deputy Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, where they have allegedly been neutralised.

Both Mchunu and Sibiya have since been placed on leave of absence by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Following the allegations, National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza assigned the portfolio committees on Police, Justice and Constitutional Development; and the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence to urgently consider the explosive allegations made by Mkhwanazi, within the scope of their mandates.

The committees recommended the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee in accordance with National Assembly Rule 253, with strict tasks and deadlines, such as the process being concluded within 90 days of the committee being established, and only amended or extended if necessary.

The report, which will be submitted to the NA for consideration, also emphasised the need for the NA to ensure an expeditious process.

“Given the gravity of the allegations and their potential implications for the rule of law, governance, and accountability within the criminal justice sector, the committees have resolved that a focused, multi-party Ad Hoc Committee will ensure a transparent, thorough and fair process,” the committees said.