WATCH | Parliament's ad hoc committee to address witness issues and prepare for public hearings
Parliament’s ad hoc committee will meet virtually on Monday to finalise its programme, resolve witness-related issues and prepare for public hearings in its investigation into allegations made by SAPS commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Image: Zwelethemba Kostile / ParliamentofRSA.
Parliament’s ad hoc committee meeting on Monday to attend to housekeeping matters as it continues its investigation into allegations made by SAPS KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The committee is expected to consider its draft programme and receive updates on issues that arose during meetings held last week.
The meeting takes place ahead of the next phase of hearings, as the committee seeks to stabilise its processes following disruptions experienced in recent sessions.
As part of these preparations, the committee will convene virtually to deal with internal issues raised by Members of Parliament last week.
Among the matters to be addressed are issues relating to subpoenas for North West businessman Brown Mogotsi and forensic consultant Paul O’Sullivan.
Mogotsi had requested that Parliament cover the costs of his security, while O’Sullivan sought permission to give evidence virtually, citing threats to his life. Their non-appearance resulted in the committee bringing forward the public participation segment of the process.
The committee’s preparations follow challenges encountered last week, including the non-appearance of certain witnesses, which affected the smooth running of proceedings.
Organisations that appeared before the committee included Accountability Now, the African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS).
Public submissions were also heard from Dr Jean Redpath of the Dullah Omar Institute, Advocate Tengimpilo Maqebhula, former Crime Intelligence official Tiyani Lincoln Hlungwani, and the City of Johannesburg’s Special Projects Advisor in the manager’s office, Melusi Mlandu.
Chairperson Soviet Lekganyane said the committee was hopeful that upcoming engagements would proceed without similar difficulties when hearings resume this week on Tuesday.
He acknowledged frustrations that emerged during the previous round of meetings, particularly the experience of Advocate Maqebhula, who had incurred personal travel and accommodation costs due to flight delays.
Lekganyane said committee staff would work urgently to ensure readiness ahead of the next sitting.
“Our staff can work tonight and tomorrow to have these appearances ready on Tuesday,” he said, noting that the committee would meet again on Monday.
He added that officials had adequate time to finalise arrangements, stating that “they have the whole of tomorrow to be in contact with guests and make all the arrangements.”
He emphasised the committee’s intention to avoid late changes that had previously disrupted proceedings, indicating that planning was now being prioritised to ensure continuity.
This week’s hearings are expected to include members of the public and civil society organisations, among them Gun Free South Africa, as well as individuals such as Dr Gordon Rolls and Xolile Mashukuxa.
Lekganyane said the committee had agreed to invite six civil society organisations and at least 12 members of the public to participate in the public submissions process.
Indicating that the committee was nearing the end of its work, Lekganyane said, “We must be running towards the finishing line.''
The committee is operating within a tight timeframe between 14 January and 6 February, with hearings expected to conclude by 6 February to allow sufficient time for drafting the final report.
It has been granted an extension until 20 February 2026 to finalise its work.
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
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