DA 'strongly supports' continuation of Parly inquiry into Mkhwanazi allegations

CAPE TOWN - The Democratic Alliance (DA) said Parliament can’t be spectators and strongly supports the continuation of the parliamentary inquiry into allegations of alleged police corruption made by KwaZulu-Natal Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The party’s police spokesperson and portfolio committee member, Lisa Schickerling, said while the DA acknowledges President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of a judicial commission of inquiry on Sunday night, Parliament must still continue with its own process.

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Speaker Thoko Didiza last week issued a directive that Parliament must conduct its own investigation, which will be led by the joint committee on intelligence and the justice and police oversight committees.

Parliament’s justice and police committees have already clarified that the Parliament inquiry into the allegations linking Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu in alleged wrongdoing, will move ahead parallel to the judicial inquiry led by Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.

Schickerling said the parliamentary process is essential to maintaining parliamentary oversight and ensuring transparency.

“While the commission may be a necessary step towards accountability, it cannot and must not substitute the vital oversight role of Parliament. The DA strongly supports the continuation of the parliamentary process led by the portfolio committees on police, justice and constitutional development and the joint standing committee on intelligence. Parliament cannot merely be spectators in this matter.”

Schickerling said the DA will fully participate in the upcoming committee meetings and is pushing for a clear timetable “and accountability measures that go beyond the commission's findings”.