President Cyril Ramaphosa has submitted written answers to Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing explosive corruption claims, after MPs demanded him to appear in person and face full accountability.
Image: GCIS / Phando Jikelo
President Cyril Ramaphosa has formally submitted written responses to questions from Parliament’s Ad Hoc committee, following the insistence of committee members that he should appear in person.
Members were of the view that President Ramaphosa should not receive special treatment and must be held fully accountable.
The Presidency said Ramaphosa responded in writing in line with a prior agreement with the committee.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has formally provided written responses to questions submitted by Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating allegations regarding security matters raised by Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi,” said presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.
“President Ramaphosa’s submission demonstrates his support for the parliamentary process and ensures the committee receives all necessary information to carry out its mandate effectively.
“The president is committed to transparency and welcomes parliamentary oversight of the executive, as part of the democratic processes that govern the country,” Magwenya added.
The committee was established after Mkhwanazi made explosive allegations in July last year.
Mkhwanazi raised concerns about alleged political interference and corruption within the country’s criminal justice system.
The committee continues to hear testimony as it seeks to determine the extent of alleged corruption, political interference and shielding of criminal syndicates within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Ramaphosa’s response follows calls from members of the committee for him to appear in person before committee members and submit his answers promptly.
The Presidency missed its initial deadline on Monday and requested an extension until the end of business on Tuesday.
The committee submitted more than 100 questions to Ramaphosa last month, including queries on whether he instructed the disbandment of the inter-ministerial committee (IMC) overseeing the political killings task team.
Suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu previously told the committee he did not consult Ramaphosa before issuing the disbandment letter.
He said his decision was based on a police research study recommending the consolidation of violent crime investigations into the murder and robbery unit.
Meanwhile, appearing before the committee on Tuesday, National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola said Mchunu had ample opportunity to brief him on the decision but failed to do so.
“We had not yet agreed. I said ‘gradual’; the minister said ‘immediate’,” he said.
Masemola confirmed previous testimony by Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, who said he was on annual leave when Mchunu sent the disbandment letter via WhatsApp.
Masemola said the aim of the disbandment was to halt investigations by Gauteng crime intelligence into murder accused businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, alleged to be linked to the so-called “Big Five” cartel.
“It remains my evidence that the minister never consulted me about the directive, either before or after issuing it. I was with the minister for most of that week,” Masemola said.
Mosikili previously testified that both Mchunu and Masemola were participating in a cross-provincial festive season safety campaign and had attended a police captain’s funeral days before the disbandment.
She said at no stage did Mchunu indicate there was an imminent disbandment of the political killings task team.
Masemola said there had been ample opportunity to discuss the matter, particularly given the urgency of the directive.
He added that during a virtual meeting in December 2024, Mchunu raised concerns about Matlala’s controversial R360 million police healthcare contract with Medicare24 but did not mention the task team, which was investigating the businessman.
Masemola scrapped the contract in April 2025 following complaints about poor service delivery.
He said he initially questioned the authenticity of the disbandment letter when he received it, and that once verified, he instructed departments to compile reports in response to the directive.
Mkhwanazi is expected to appear before the committee to respond to issues arising from his July media briefing, including the disbandment of the political killings task team and allegations made against him.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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