Key Takeaways:
- The ad hoc committee investigating allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi met on January 7, 2026, to discuss the committee’s progress and upcoming witnesses.
- The committee has been granted a second extension, with a new deadline of February 20, 2026, to complete its work.
- The committee will hear from several witnesses, including Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi, alleged political fixer Oupa "Brown" Mogotsi, and former acting national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane.
- The committee debated whether to summon members of the judiciary to testify, with some MPs expressing concern that most witnesses have come from law enforcement.
- The meeting became heated, with EFF leader Julius Malema and MK party MP David Skosana exchanging heated remarks over allegations of judicial corruption.
Introduction to the Committee Meeting
The meeting of Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi was a significant event, marking the committee’s first gathering in the new year. The virtual session was held on January 7, 2026, following Parliament’s constituency period over the festive season. The committee has been tasked with investigating allegations made by Mkhwanazi, and it has heard from several witnesses since launching its public hearings on October 7, 2025. These witnesses include Mkhwanazi, National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, former police minister Bheki Cele, and suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya.
Committee Progress and Extensions
During the meeting, committee chairperson and ANC MP Soviet Lekganyane announced that National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza had approved a second extension for the committee’s work. The deadline, initially set for October 31, 2025, and later extended to November 28, will now be February 20, 2026. Lekganyane listed the witnesses who are expected to testify, including Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi, alleged political fixer Oupa "Brown" Mogotsi, Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo, forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan, and former acting national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane. The technical team has suggested that the committee conclude hearings on February 6, 2026, to allow enough time to prepare a report for the committee’s consideration.
Public Submissions and Witness List
Content adviser Nicolette van Zyl-Gous presented an overview of public submissions received by the committee. She noted that most of the contributions do not provide probative evidence directly related to the allegations under consideration and recommended that submissions be referred to relevant portfolio committees or oversight bodies for further processing. Van Zyl-Gous also mentioned that three submissions were anonymous, with one deemed to have high probative value. Evidence leader Norman Arendse provided an update on the planned witness schedule, which includes Phahlane, Khumalo, former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) head Robert McBride, and O’Sullivan. EMPD’s Mkhwanazi is on standby for January 27-28, and Mogotsi for January 29-30.
Debate Over Judicial Testimonies
The session grew heated when MK party MP Sibonelo Nomvalo expressed concern that most witnesses have come from law enforcement, rather than the judiciary. While MPs agreed that judicial officials would be called if implicated, MK party member David Skosana criticized EFF leader Julius Malema for opposing such calls. Skosana mentioned that some public submissions complained about judges and that Malema had previously stated that some judges receive bribes. Lekganyane reminded Skosana that any person implicated would be invited to testify if evidence exists. Malema insisted that there was no substantive evidence against judges at this stage, though he acknowledged his own criticisms of the Constitutional Court. The EFF leader challenged Skosana to name a judge who had done something wrong, which led to a heated exchange between the two MPs.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The meeting of the ad hoc committee was marked by heated debates and discussions over the committee’s progress and upcoming witnesses. The committee has been granted a second extension, and it will hear from several key witnesses in the coming weeks. The debate over judicial testimonies highlights the complexities and challenges of the committee’s work, and it remains to be seen how the committee will proceed with its investigation. The committee’s final report is expected to be completed by February 20, 2026, and it will be interesting to see what recommendations and findings it will contain. As the committee continues its work, it is essential to ensure that all parties involved are held accountable and that the truth is uncovered. The committee’s investigation has the potential to shed light on significant issues affecting the country, and its findings could have far-reaching implications for the justice system and the rule of law.