Police corruption probe: Committee works to resolve witness safety fears

The Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee investigating police corruption continued efforts to resolve the safety fears of key witnesses who are still to make oral submissions.

The committee has about two weeks remaining to conclude its hearings, but it has not finalised the appearance of alleged Crime Intelligence asset Brown Mogotsi.

Members were also still preparing to hear further testimony from former acting commissioner Khomotso Phahlane and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The committee was expected to hear testimony from Paul O’Sullivan this week, but he refused to appear in person, citing safety concerns.

The inquiry had to use this week to hold public hearings as a result of O’Sullivan’s absence.

Evidence and statements from African National Congress (ANC) fixer and alleged Crime Intelligence operative Brown Mogotsi were also not finalised.

Ad hoc committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane said Parliament’s security team was still working on the matter.

“The legal team, together with the relevant section in Parliament, we are still working on the matter of Mr Brown Mogotsi. The report I got this morning is that the statement is about ready, but there are security issues that he is raising which the security of Parliament must attend to,” Lekganyane said.

Meanwhile, members of the committee wanted O’Sullivan to be subpoenaed to answer to allegations of interference.