ANCYL concerned over DA MP Kohler Barnard’s alleged role in intelligence attacks
ANC Youth League President Collen Malatji says the youth league has noted with serious concern allegations made against Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament Dianne Kohler Barnard.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
ANC Youth League (ANCYL) president Collen Malatji says the youth league has expressed concern about allegations made against Democratic Alliance (DA) MP, Dianne Kohler Barnard by KZN provincial commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of alleged role in intelligence attacks.
Malatji was briefing the media on outcomes and resolutions adopted at the 2nd National General Council (NGC) of the ANCYL, held from September 10 to 12 in Kimberley, Northern Cape.
“The ANCYL welcomes the conclusion of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and the important work it has undertaken to expose entrenched crime syndicates, procurement cartels, and corruption networks that have systematically looted state resources and undermined service delivery,” Malatji said.
He added that the commission's hearings had already revealed how criminal syndicates infiltrated state institutions and how politicians, officials, and business figures allegedly colluded to defraud the public purse.
“We are aware of the serious allegations raised before the commission, including those against a DA MP. We note with concern how the media often omits party affiliations when the accused are from the DA, yet emphasises them when the accused are from the ANC,” he said.
“These inconsistencies are being closely monitored and confirm how corruption and criminality cut across political lines.”
Malatji emphasised that commissions of inquiry are not an end in themselves but instruments to restore justice.
He called for the commission’s findings to be acted upon decisively.
“South Africans cannot afford another commission whose report gathers dust while predators continue to enjoy impunity,” he said.
“We look forward to arrests and trials that ensure accountability, recovery of stolen resources, and the restoration of public trust in democratic institutions.”
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System began its hearings last Wednesday at the Bridgette Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria.
It is chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.
Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi spent another day in the hot seat at the Madlanga Commission where he made explosive allegations against two MPs and others.
Image: Oupa Independent Newspapers
Mkhwanazi was the commission’s first witness, following his explosive July media briefing in which he named senior figures allegedly involved in sabotaging law enforcement efforts.
Among those implicated was suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, a senior ANC member.
Mkhwanazi questioned the political motives behind the disbandment of the elite Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), suggesting it was intended to protect powerful individuals.
He alleged that Mchunu is “fully involved in the syndicate” behind numerous crimes and accused him of sabotaging investigations into political killings in KwaZulu-Natal.
On Thursday, Mkhwanazi accused Barnard of inciting attacks against the Crime Intelligence unit and handling classified information recklessly.
However, in an interview with IOL News, Barnard dismissed Mkhwanazi’s claims as “outrageous, defamatory, and entirely baseless.”
She said she was consulting with her party about possibly appearing before the commission to refute the claims.
“I don’t know whether it’s necessary, but I’m taking advice on whether I should write to the commission to explain the reality behind the claims,” she said.
Kohler Barnard stated that her comments were based on information already in the public domain.
“You can find it anywhere on Google. On February 17, 2025, there was extensive reporting and photographs in all national newspapers about properties bought by Crime Intelligence. I then wrote to the Inspector-General of Intelligence and requested an investigation into this because there were claims that people in the top structure had signed off on these purchases without proper procedure,” she said.
KZN police boss Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused DA Member of Parliament Dianne Kohler Barnard of breaking the law and inciting attacks against the Crime Intelligence unit.
Image: Cindy Waxa/ Independent Media
She explained that the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI) took months to become operational following the national election. As such, she contacted the Inspector-General before the committee was formally constituted.
“I served as a member of the JSCI during the last parliamentary term. Once sworn in, no member may share anything discussed within the committee. I therefore cannot speak about the outcome of that investigation, which was presented to the committee,” she said.
“For it to be suggested by General Mkhwanazi that I was somehow part of a criminal syndicate is absurd.”
Kohler Barnard expressed uncertainty about Mkhwanazi’s motives for naming her.
“If he can be wrong on this, how many wrong things has he said?” she asked.
“I’ve been attacked many times in my 21 years in Parliament, and perhaps this is one of those instances. But I’m really indignant that he claims I’m part of a criminal syndicate. I’ve spent 21 years formulating laws and ensuring they’re implemented, and for him to say this about me is outrageous,” she said.
Mkhwanazi further alleged that National Coloured Congress MP Fadiel Adams had accessed the unit’s classified information inappropriately.
However, Adams denied the claims made by the top cop.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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