KZN Police Commissioner Mkhwanazi to Testify Before Parliament’s Corruption Probe.
KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has confirmed he will testify before parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating explosive allegations of corruption, political interference, and criminality within the criminal justice system — but only after September 24.
The announcement came during a virtual sitting of the committee on Friday. Committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane revealed that Mkhwanazi had been requested to appear before parliament on 30 August and to meet with the committee’s evidence leaders on 20 September.
However, Mkhwanazi responded on 4 September, explaining that he is still tied up with commitments at the Judicial Commission of Inquiry until later this month. He indicated that he would only be available to testify after 24 September.
Lekganyane confirmed that Mkhwanazi would be the committee’s first witness, saying this was non-negotiable since it was his public allegations that led to the committee’s establishment in the first place.
Madlanga Commission delays
The parliamentary investigation runs alongside the Madlanga Commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. The commission was due to begin its hearings on 1 September at the Bridgette Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria.
But proceedings were halted after the Department of Justice failed to secure the required infrastructure, forcing a delay.
Meanwhile, the ad hoc committee has finalised its legal team, appointing Advocate Norman Arendse SC, Advocate Maria Mokhaetsi, and Advocate Lerato Zikalala as evidence leaders who will lead questioning of witnesses.
Explosive allegations
Mkhwanazi first went public with his allegations during a media briefing on 6 July. At the time, he claimed to be in possession of WhatsApp conversations between businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala and one Mr Brown Mogotsi, described as a close comrade of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
According to Mkhwanazi, the chats reveal how Mogotsi was allegedly working to influence Mchunu and Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya, to interfere with and suppress police investigations linked to Matlala.
He further alleged that he has documentary proof showing Matlala financed ANC political activities and directly funded events for both Mchunu and Mogotsi.
Task team disbanded
One of Mkhwanazi’s most serious claims involves the disbandment of the KwaZulu-Natal SAPS political killings task team. He believes Mchunu and Sibiya ordered the unit’s dissolution after it raided Matlala’s home in December 2024 and began making progress in high-profile cases in Gauteng.
He argued that the task team was targeted because its work had started unmasking a wider criminal syndicate.
According to Mkhwanazi, this syndicate extends beyond businesspeople and drug cartels. It allegedly includes sitting members of parliament, senior law enforcement officers — from the police and metro police — correctional services staff, prosecutors, magistrates, and even judges in Gauteng.
He described these networks as being effectively captured by organised crime interests.
Parliament under pressure
The gravity of Mkhwanazi’s allegations has piled pressure on parliament and the justice system to act decisively. Lekganyane stressed that the committee’s work was critical in restoring trust, particularly given that the claims implicate senior government officials and law enforcement leaders.
While the ad hoc committee had hoped to hear Mkhwanazi’s testimony sooner, it will now only proceed after his current obligations conclude later in September. His evidence is expected to set the tone for further witness testimony and the broader inquiry into systemic corruption and political meddling.
For now, parliament, the police service, and the public remain on standby for what could be one of the most revealing testimonies about the state of South Africa’s criminal justice system.
Follow Us on Twitter
