KZN Provincial Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is expected to return to Parliament as the final witness in a high-stakes inquiry.
Image: Tumi Pakkies Independent Newspapers
KZN provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has returned to testify before the Ad Hoc Committee on Wednesday morning as the final witness.
Mkhwanazi’s testimony is highly anticipated, as he is expected to respond to allegations raised by previous witnesses and provide clarity on key issues that have emerged since his last appearance before the committee in October.
He is expected to respond to allegations arising from his July media briefing, including the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) and allegations made against him.
Mkhwanazi’s explosive revelations during a press conference last year served as the catalyst for the parliamentary inquiry.
Mkhwanazi's briefing on July 6 implicated several high-ranking public officials, ranging from Minister on special leave Senzo Mchunu to suspended deputy national commissioner for crime detection Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya.
All eyes will be on Mkhwanazi, who previously vowed to expose those who testify dishonestly.
Committee chairperson, Soviet Lekganyane, said that, after hearing from all witnesses, evidence leaders would present a comprehensive overview of the testimonies.
Following this, the committee secretariat will compile a report for MPs to consider, ensuring that all contributions are taken into account before it is submitted to the National Assembly.
“We are not looking for any specific outcome. Our terms of reference guide us,” Lekganyane said.
“If the evidence presented meets the terms of reference, we will go to Parliament and inform them about the witnesses we heard and say: ‘This is what we must present before you.’”
Mkhwanazi is expected to take the stand to respond to the evidence presented so far and address serious allegations against him.
He will be the committee’s final witness before it wraps up its inquiry at the end of the month.
The committee has heard evidence from police officials, private citizens and MPs, who have alleged widespread corruption within the criminal justice system.
Among them is controversial private investigator Paul O’Sullivan, who last month walked out of proceedings, saying that he was rushing to catch a flight, but was ordered to return and complete his testimony, which he did.
On Tuesday, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola returned to the stand and insisted that Mchunu never consulted him on the disbandment of the PKTT.
Appearing before the ad hoc committee for the second time since October 2025, Masemola said he and Mchunu had attended events and meetings together prior to the directive issued on December 31, 2024.
“It is still my evidence that the minister never consulted me about the directive,” he said.
“At no stage did the minister hint or indicate that there was an imminent disbandment of the PKTT. There was ample opportunity to discuss any urgent need to disband the unit, and there was no discussion whatsoever.”
Masemola told Parliament he had authorised Mkhwanazi’s July 2025 media briefing but said the presentation exceeded what had been agreed.
Deputy police ministers Cassel Mathale and Dr Polly Boshielo previously told the committee they had learnt of the disbandment via social media.
Acting deputy national commissioner Hilda Senthumule previously testified that she had informally learnt of the disbandment through crime intelligence head Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo.
She said she informed him there was no written instruction from suspended deputy commissioner Shadrack Sibiya authorising such an engagement.
Senthumule also strongly denied claims that she had a prior relationship with murder-accused businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Former SAPS deputy national commissioner Lieutenant General Francinah Vuma raised concerns about financial mismanagement within the police service.
She alleged that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure repeatedly requested additional funding to prepare the Telkom Towers police headquarters in Tshwane, with costs rising to R1.6 billion.
Vuma, who was suspended in 2022 and retired in January 2026, previously served as deputy national commissioner for support services and later for asset and legal management.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi KZN police boss Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi will take the stand for a final time as Parliament’s ad hoc committee concludes months of testimony marked by claims of corruption, infighting and interference within South Africa’s criminal justice system.
Image: Facebook / SAPS
National Coloured Congress leader and MP Fadiel Adams accused Mkhwanazi of disregarding the law.
Evidence leader Advocate Maria Mokhoaetsi questioned Adams about his affidavit, in which he claimed Mkhwanazi had recommended he be jailed at Pollsmoor Prison in Tokai, Cape Town, for possessing classified information.
“Yes, Advocate, thank you. It’s such a stigma for people like me to end up in Pollsmoor. But anyway, my opinion is strong,” Adams said.
“I believe Gen Mkhwanazi is a constitutional delinquent. He wants me in jail for reporting a crime. He would prefer that I cover up a crime. That’s what he is saying.”
Adams said Matlala was “too small” to be considered part of the so-called “Big Five” cartel, but alleged that the real cartels are in Parliament.
Former National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) advocate Michael Mashuga told Parliament that the only way to prevent O’Sullivan from accessing sensitive personal information, including credit records, is for senior officials to stop being corrupt.
Mashuga, who left the NPA in 2024, also accused O’Sullivan and his former assistant, Sarah-Jane Trent, of infiltrating the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
In 2017, Mashuga prosecuted O’Sullivan and Trent on multiple charges, including fraud and extortion. He alleged he had evidence of significant interference by the pair, which contributed to delays in the case.
At the time, O’Sullivan, Trent and IPID officers Mandlakayise Mahlangu and Temane Binang were charged with fraud, intimidation, extortion and contravening the IPID Act.
The charges stemmed from an investigation into former acting national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane. The matter was later struck off the roll due to multiple delays.
Patriotic Alliance MP Ashley Sauls asked whether the only way to remove O’Sullivan’s perceived “untouchable status” was for senior officials to stop being corrupt.
“I think you are accurate on that one,” Mashuga replied.
Mkhwanazi’s final appearance is expected to focus on questions surrounding the disbandment of the PKTT, as well as allegations made against him.
Mkhwanazi is expected to provide clarity on corruption allegations and matters relating to the PKTT and including the claims made against him.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL Politics