Khomotso Phahlane to Testify Before Parliament on Corruption Allegations

Key Takeaways

• Former national police commissioner Lieutenant-General Khomotso Phahlane is set to testify before Parliament’s ad hoc committee on corruption and justice system interference
• Phahlane’s testimony is expected to address allegations of interference involving the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and former IPID head Robert McBride
• The ad hoc committee was established in 2025 to probe claims of corruption, political manipulation, and undermining of the criminal justice system
• Other witnesses scheduled to testify include Crime Intelligence head Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department chief Julius Mkhwanazi, and businessman Brown Mogotsi
• The hearings have been marked by dramatic testimony, including that of tycoon and attempted murder accused Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, which intensified public scrutiny of the process

Introduction to the Ad Hoc Committee
The ad hoc committee established by Parliament to investigate corruption and justice system interference is set to resume hearings on Wednesday, with former national police commissioner Lieutenant-General Khomotso Phahlane scheduled to testify. The 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.

The Significance of Phahlane’s Testimony
Phahlane’s appearance is set to be a critical moment for the committee, as his testimony is expected to address allegations raised by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s chief of staff, Cedrick Nkabinde. These allegations include claims of interference involving the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), former IPID head Robert McBride, and forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan. Phahlane served as national police commissioner from October 2015 until his suspension in June 2017, and although removed from office nearly a decade ago, he remains a central figure in several high-profile matters linked to allegations of police corruption and political interference.

Other Witnesses Scheduled to Testify
In addition to Phahlane, other witnesses scheduled to give oral evidence during this phase of the hearings 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. This request has been made in light of the sensitive nature of the testimony and the potential risks associated with appearing in person.

Background on Phahlane’s Dismissal
Phahlane 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. His dismissal was seen as a significant development in the ongoing saga of police corruption and political interference, and his testimony is expected to shed further light on these allegations. Despite his removal from office, Phahlane remains a key figure in the investigation, and his testimony is likely to be closely watched by observers and stakeholders.

The Broader Context of the Hearings
The hearings have been marked by dramatic testimony, including that of tycoon and attempted murder accused Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, which intensified public scrutiny of the process. The ad hoc committee’s investigation is part of a broader effort to address corruption and accountability within the justice system, and the testimony of witnesses like Phahlane and O’Sullivan is seen as critical to this effort. As the hearings continue, it is likely that further revelations will emerge, shedding light on the complex web of corruption and interference that has undermined the criminal justice system in South Africa.

Conclusion and Next Steps
The testimony of Lieutenant-General Khomotso Phahlane is set to be a critical moment in the ad hoc committee’s investigation into corruption and justice system interference. As the hearings continue, it is likely that further revelations will emerge, shedding light on the complex web of corruption and interference that has undermined the criminal justice system in South Africa. The committee’s work is an important step towards addressing these issues and restoring accountability and transparency to the justice system. The public will be watching closely as the hearings unfold, and the testimony of Phahlane and other witnesses is likely to have significant implications for the future of policing and justice in South Africa.