National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza says no to debate on Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi's bombshell claims

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has refused to allow a debate on the explosive remarks made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi but has assigned three committees to urgently investigate the matter.

Didiza said on Wednesday that she had asked the portfolio committees on Police, Justice and Constitutional Development, and the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence to consider the wide-ranging allegations regarding security matters raised by Mkhwanazi, which have implications for the country’s national security. 

The committees are to report back to the National Assembly.

“In relation to the debate requested by two political parties, the Speaker believes it would not be appropriate to hold such a debate, as these allegations remain unsubstantiated at this stage,” Didiza said.

Her comments came after the Democratic Alliance and ActionSA wrote to her requesting an urgent parliamentary debate on corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Mkhwanazi accused the police ministry of interfering in police operations and detailed how Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu and his associate, Brian Mogotsi, were entangled with SAPS service provider Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala, who was awarded a R360 million tender by the police in 2024.

Mchunu has denied any links to Matlala, who is alleged to be an underworld criminal kingpin. 

The minister’s spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi, said Wednesday that Mchunu has never communicated with Matlala or received anything from him.

“In response to the recent allegations made by provincial commissioner Mkhwanazi, and while respecting the president’s call for calm, the Minister of Police, Mr. Senzo Mchunu, feels it is important to clarify the following: "The minister has never met Mr. Matlala, has never spoken to him, nor has he ever requested or received anything from him,” Kamogelo Mogotsi said.

However, Mogotsi said Mchunu initiated a review of the SAPS tender awarded to Brian Mogotsi after suspicions of possible wrongdoing surfaced. “It was the same tender which has since been terminated,” he added.

“Furthermore, while the minister knows and has met Mr. Brown Mogotsi, he is just a comrade and not an associate of the minister.”

National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola said Wednesday he is awaiting a summons from President Cyril Ramaphosa to give his account amid the ongoing turmoil shaking South Africa’s law enforcement.

Speaking at a press briefing held virtually from Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, Masemola described the current situation as “unprecedented” and “concerning” and said it requires “uncompromising intervention to restore stability in the organisation.”

“We fully acknowledge the commitment made by His Excellency the President of the Republic of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa, who said he would attend to this matter as soon as he arrives in the country,” Masemola said.

“We are ready to brief the president, and as such, the national commissioner could not have done anything now. We await and will engage the president as and when he calls us.”

Masemola revealed that Mkhwanazi has been receiving threats and that his security has been increased.

Asked whether he would take action against Mkhwanazi, Masemola said he was waiting for President Ramaphosa’s intervention but made clear there would be no persecution of the police commissioner.

“In terms of physical protection, he has been getting threats to his life in that province. We have beefed up his security, but he won’t be persecuted from my side. Surely, there will be no persecution of any member of the South African Police Service - not only him but anyone,” Masemola said.

The nation now awaits Ramaphosa, who promised to urgently look into the matter upon his return from the BRICS Summit.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL Politics