The Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations raised by KwaZulu-Natal SAPS Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi concluded its engagement with him in the early hours of Thursday, 19 March, as Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi concluded his testimony.
Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi’s final remarks revisited key aspects of his earlier submissions, including allegations relating to political interference in policing, the disbandment of specialised units, the big five crime cartel and the alleged involvement in the cartel of senior SAPS officers and concerns about the integrity of certain investigations within SAPS. He emphasised the need for decisive action to restore public trust in law enforcement and reiterated his willingness to cooperate further with the committee should additional information be required.
He provided a further affidavit in which he explains the mistake he made during his main testimony at the start of the hearings in October last year regarding money paid by Mr Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to Gen Bheki Cele. In clarifying the matter, he explained that the initial statement arose from a misinterpretation of information available to him at the time, which has since been reassessed and corrected. The information was gathered by one of the analysts in his unit and phone numbers and messages were confused.
In the affidavit, he set out the steps he took to verify the information after identifying the discrepancy, including reviewing documentation and consulting relevant sources. He acknowledged the seriousness of the inaccuracy, particularly given the prominence of the individuals mentioned, and stressed that there was no intention to mislead anyone. He further indicated that the correction was necessary to ensure the integrity of the proceedings and to assist the committee in establishing a credible and evidence-based record.
Members of the committee used the final session to ask questions about outstanding issues, test the consistency of evidence presented and reflect on the broader implications of the testimony for policing and governance. Several committee members underscored the seriousness of the allegations, noting that they strike at the heart of the criminal justice system and the rule of law.
One committee member remarked that the testimony paints a deeply troubling picture of systemic weaknesses and possible interference that cannot be ignored. They added that the committee has a responsibility to ensure that no stone is left unturned in getting to the truth.
Committee member Adv Glynnis Breytenbach highlighted the potential impact on public confidence, stating that the issues raised, if left unaddressed, risk eroding trust in SAPS and undermining the efforts of honest officers who serve with integrity.
Committee member Ms Khusela Sangoni cautioned against drawing premature conclusions, emphasising the importance of corroborating evidence. “While the allegations are serious, due process must guide the committee’s work. Our findings must be based on verified facts and not conjecture,” she noted.
In reflecting on Lt Gen Mkhwanazi’s demeanour and cooperation, committee members generally welcomed his willingness to engage frankly with them. However, questions were raised about gaps in documentation and the need for further witnesses to substantiate key claims.
Chairperson Molapi Soviet Lekganyane indicated that the committee will now consider all evidence received, including testimonies from various witnesses, before compiling its report with findings and recommendations. Members stressed that accountability, consequence management and institutional reform within SAPS will be central to the committee’s considerations.
Mr Lekganyane thanked Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi for his participation and reiterated Parliament’s constitutional duty to exercise oversight over the executive and ensure that state institutions function effectively and in the best interests of the public.
The committee is expected to continue its work in the coming weeks as it moves towards deliberations and finalising its report.
Rajaa Azzakani
23 March 2026
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