WRAP | Key takeaways from the Ad Hoc Committee probing allegations of corruption within the criminal justice system

The Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations of police corruption and corruption within the criminal justice system concluded its hearings last week with testimony from KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi returns with fresh allegations

Mkhwanazi returned for a second appearance after initially testifying before the committee in October last year.

He told the committee that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was wrong to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), adding that the minister had been influenced by individuals opposed to the unit.

READ MORE: Key takeaways from Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's appearance before the ad hoc committee

Mkhwanazi also submitted further evidence implicating Mchunu. This included a handwritten letter from an inmate who shared a cell with alleged crime kingpin, Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala.

In the letter, the inmate claims that Mchunu received certain payments. He also alleges that he was instructed to sign an affidavit stating that he did not know Matlala or have any knowledge of him.

The letter further references a meeting between Mkhwanazi and Matlala in Durban, which Mkhwanazi said had not previously been disclosed during the hearings.

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Ramaphosa criticises lack of consultation

On the final day of proceedings, President Cyril Ramaphosa made a submission, stating that Mchunu had failed to adequately consult him before disbanding the PKTT in December 2024. Ramaphosa said he was dissatisfied with the decision.

In his submission, the president also disputed Mchunu’s claim that the Inter-Ministerial Committee overseeing the PKTT had been disbanded at the end of the previous administration.

O’Sullivan faces contempt of Parliament charges

The hearings also featured testimony from forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan, who faces allegations of interfering in IPID and police matters. O’Sullivan is also facing a potential contempt of Parliament charge after walking out before completing his testimony.

Another key witness, Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo, who also led the PKTT, told the committee there had been political interference in decisions leading up to the unit’s disbandment.

WATCH: Paul O'Sullivan walks out of Parly's ad hoc committee

Inquiry concludes after six months of testimony

Mkhwanazi’s final submission brought to a close a nearly six-month inquiry, which heard from at least 16 witnesses and received more than 200 public submissions. While some testimonies were delivered orally, most were submitted in writing.

The Ad Hoc Committee will now compile a draft report, which members will review and deliberate on before submitting a final version to the National Assembly for adoption.

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