Zuma’s Million-Rand Security Upgrade

Key Takeaways:

• Former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) head Robert McBride testified before Parliament’s ad hoc committee on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, regarding allegations of a drug cartel infiltrating the country’s criminal justice system, politics, and private security.
• McBride referred to the controversial "fire pool" at former President Jacob Zuma’s KwaZulu-Natal residence in Nkandla, which was initially sold to Parliament and the public as a security-related feature.
• The "fire pool" scandal dates back to 2014, when the Public Protector found that Zuma "unduly benefited" from upgrades to his private residence, including the construction of the pool.
• McBride testified that the "fire pool" was not a security measure, but rather a luxury feature that could have been built with the same amount of money used to construct a safe mansion.
• The ad hoc committee is investigating allegations of a drug cartel infiltrating the country’s criminal justice system, politics, and private security, which were first made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in July last year.

Introduction to the Scandal
The testimony of former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) head Robert McBride before Parliament’s ad hoc committee on January 21, 2026, has brought to light a past scandal involving former President Jacob Zuma. The scandal revolves around the renovations at Zuma’s KwaZulu-Natal residence in Nkandla, which included the construction of a "fire pool" that was initially sold to Parliament and the public as a security-related feature. However, it was later revealed that the pool was not a security measure, but rather a luxury feature that was built using secret service funds.

The "Fire Pool" Scandal
The "fire pool" scandal dates back to 2014, when the Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela, found that Zuma "unduly benefited" from upgrades to his private residence, including the construction of the pool. The scandal resurfaced in 2024, when ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula revealed that the party had misled Parliament about the pool, claiming it was a security feature when in fact it was a luxury item. McBride’s testimony has once again brought attention to the scandal, with the former Ipid head stating that the pool was not a security measure, but rather a luxury feature that could have been built with the same amount of money used to construct a safe mansion.

McBride’s Testimony
McBride’s testimony before the ad hoc committee was marked by heated and sensitive moments, with the former Ipid head facing questions about his proximity to forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan and his alleged involvement in a romantic relationship with an associate of O’Sullivan. McBride denied the allegations, stating that he had never put his "hat in the ring" for the position of national police commissioner. The former Ipid head also spoke about the risks associated with his work and the testimony he was giving, stating that he understood it could be the last time he appeared in Parliament.

The Ad Hoc Committee’s Investigation
The ad hoc committee is investigating allegations of a drug cartel infiltrating the country’s criminal justice system, politics, and private security, which were first made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in July last year. The committee has been hearing testimony from various individuals, including McBride, and is expected to resume on Thursday, when suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police chief Julius Mkhwanazi is expected to testify. The investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what findings the committee will make and what actions will be taken as a result.

McBride’s Personal Life
McBride’s personal life was also subject to scrutiny during the testimony, with the former Ipid head facing questions about his arrest record and his family. McBride stated that he had been arrested once, due to his activities on behalf of the liberation movement, and that he had also been detained on a drunk driving allegation, over which he was found not guilty. The former Ipid head also spoke about a withdrawn case involving a member of his family, stating that it had involved him admonishing his daughter after she "indulged in the temptations which all young people are faced with every day on the streets".

Conclusion
In conclusion, the testimony of former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) head Robert McBride before Parliament’s ad hoc committee has brought to light a past scandal involving former President Jacob Zuma and the construction of a "fire pool" at his KwaZulu-Natal residence in Nkandla. The scandal is just one aspect of the broader investigation into allegations of a drug cartel infiltrating the country’s criminal justice system, politics, and private security. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what findings the committee will make and what actions will be taken as a result.