Breytenbach urges Parly to hold public officials accused of corruption accountable

The Democratic Alliance (DA)’s Glynnis Breytenbach said lawmakers in Parliament will need to toughen up to ensure public officials accused corruption and maladministration are held accountable in a long running bid to restore public trust in the country's institutions.

Breytenbach is among members of Parliament (MPs) serving on the Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations of police corruption made by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

This is a process running parallel to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry also looking into claims of political interference and corruption in the country’s judicial system.

But there have been some concerns that there could be a lack of consequence when the Ad Hoc Committee and Commission of Inquiry have wrapped up their work.

Breytenbach said MPs cannot afford to drop the ball again, adding the outcomes of the proceedings will be a test for Parliament’ accountability measures.

“If Parliament wants to do its job at all, and if Parliament wants to do its job seriously then certainly. There’s already enough out there for us to make recommendations that should be dealt with. Bear in mind that Parliament has already been found lacking by the Constitutional Court no less, for not doing its job properly so we need to step up.”

ALSO READ:

• National Assembly greenlights establishment of ad hoc committee to probe Mkhwanazi claims
• Parties want Mkhwanazi to expose all those implicated in alleged police corruption

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