WATCH | Parliament ad hoc committee resumes as Khomotso Phahlane set to testify on corruption

Former national police commissioner Lieutenant- General Khomotso Phahlane is set to testify on Wednesday as Parliament’s ad hoc committee resumes hearings into corruption and justice system interference, while forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan has requested to appear virtually.

Phahlane’s appearance is set to be a critical moment for the committee, which is probing claims that senior figures within law enforcement and the justice system abused power to influence investigations and protect political and personal interests.

His testimony is expected to address allegations raised by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s chief of staff, Cedrick Nkabinde, including claims of interference involving the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), former IPID head Robert McBride, and Paul O’Sullivan.

The ad hoc committee was established in 2025 following explosive allegations by KZN police commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused senior officials of corruption, political manipulation and undermining the criminal justice system.

Since then, the inquiry has heard evidence pointing to deep institutional fault lines, contested disciplinary actions and decisions that critics say weakened accountability in policing.

In addition to Phahlane, witnesses scheduled to give oral evidence during this phase include Crime Intelligence head Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department chief Julius Mkhwanazi, McBride, businessman Brown Mogotsi and O’Sullivan.

The committee has been informed that Mogotsi and O’Sullivan have raised security concerns, with O’Sullivan formally requesting permission to appear virtually.

The hearings resume after a lengthy recess following the dramatic testimony in November by tycoon and attempted murder accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, which intensified public scrutiny of the process.

Phahlane served as national police commissioner from October 2015 until his suspension in June 2017.

Although removed from office nearly a decade ago, he remained a central figure in several high-profile matters linked to allegations of police corruption and political interference.

He was dismissed from the South African Police Service in August 2020 over a controversial 2014 contract for panoramic cameras while heading forensic services, a decision he has continued to challenge in court.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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