Cape Town — Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing the explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has widened its net, expanding its list of potential witnesses following a virtual sitting on Friday.
The committee, which was established to investigate claims of political interference in policing and related misconduct, had originally identified 13 individuals who might be called to testify. However, Friday’s session — marked by sharp exchanges and strategic submissions from political parties — saw the list grow considerably.
DA Pushes Back on Kohler Barnard Recusal
Committee chairperson Molapi Lekganyane opened proceedings by noting two unresolved issues: finalising new names and clarifying the status of members mentioned in testimony.
The spotlight again turned to DA MP Dianne Kohler Barnard, who was named during Mkhwanazi’s testimony at the Madlanga Commission. He accused her of unlawfully using classified information to undermine Crime Intelligence — a claim raising questions about conflict of interest.
Lekganyane stressed Kohler Barnard was “mentioned” but not “implicated,” urging patience until Mkhwanazi appears before the committee.
DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach defended her colleague, arguing removal would set a “dangerous precedent.” She maintained Kohler Barnard was aware of her responsibilities and would step aside only if a real conflict arose.
MKP and DA Add New Names
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) added three names: prosecutor Tyler Shabalala, Brian Padayachee from the Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), and Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane. MP David Skosana argued their relevance to state capture and prior mentions by Mkhwanazi justified inclusion.
The DA proposed two additional witnesses: former Crime Intelligence head Lt-General Peter Jacobs and Jean-Pierre Smith, a Cape Town MMC. MP Ian Cameron argued Jacobs could provide valuable context, while Smith’s name arose from allegations about private ministerial briefings.
The DA, however, objected to the inclusion of former advocate Malesela Teffo, calling him “discredited and unfit.” Cameron noted Teffo had been struck off the roll in 2022 and accused of harassing parliamentary staff.
EFF Widens the Scope Dramatically
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) submitted the largest list — 20 names — which included President Cyril Ramaphosa, former Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa, Justice Minister Ronald Lamola, and Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, among others.
EFF leader Julius Malema defended the scope, insisting that senior politicians must account for their alleged roles in political interference.
“These are serious allegations, and we must test them,” Malema said, stressing that ministers and deputies named by Mkhwanazi should appear before the committee.
The EFF also called for top police officials such as Hawks head Godfrey Lebeya and IDAC head Andrea Johnson, alongside figures like former Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba and other senior metro and police officials.
Malema joined the DA in objecting to Malesela Teffo’s inclusion, dismissing him as a “gossiper” with “nothing to offer.”
ANC, IFP and PA Stay Reserved
In contrast, the ANC, represented by Khusela Diko, said it would not be adding new names. Both the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the Patriotic Alliance (PA) also refrained from proposing additional witnesses.
Next Steps
With the list of potential witnesses now significantly longer — and politically charged — the committee must determine which individuals will ultimately be summoned.
The hearings, once scheduled, are expected to shine further light on Mkhwanazi’s explosive allegations of political meddling in police affairs, and test Parliament’s commitment to accountability in one of the country’s most sensitive sectors.
