By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
KwaZulu-Natal police chief Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi will be the first witness at the commission of inquiry set up to investigate his allegations of SA Police Service (SAPS) capture.
The announcement was made during a media briefing in Pretoria.
The commission’s spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, updated the public on the state of readiness on Monday.
“We can now confirm that the consultation to which the chairperson of the Commission, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, referred was with Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi, whom the commission intends to call as its first witness,” he added.
“The commission has simultaneously been in consultation with a number of other witnesses whose details, based on security considerations, we are not at liberty to divulge. The preparations for calling a witness are intricate and it’s important for the public to understand. I am not going to elaborate on the details involved.”
Michaels confirmed that ICT systems are now fully operational.
“Whilst the delay in procuring these items was regrettable, the necessary systems are up and running,” he added.
The hearings, initially set for 1 September 2025, have been postponed indefinitely, with the commission blaming the Department of Justice for not providing the required infrastructure.
President Cyril Ramaphosa gazetted the commission into law to investigate law enforcement corruption, following public allegations by Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi said that a criminal syndicate infiltrated law enforcement and intelligence structures in South Africa.
He alleged that the Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu also interfered with a police investigation and colluded with business people to disband the Police Killings Task Team in KZN.
He also claimed that a police investigation unmasked a syndicate controlled by a drug cartel that involved members of the police, correctional services, judiciary and politicians.
The allegations caused a storm, with Mchunu placed on special leave by Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa then decided to appoint a commission of inquiry to oversee the allegations, with retired Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga as its chairperson.
A budget of close to R150 million has been allocated for the commission, which is expected to take over six months.
Meanwhile the overlap between the Commission’s preparatory work and the parliamentary process has necessitated flexibility in scheduling, particularly for witnesses such as Mkhwanazi who are involved in both processes.
To assist in managing the legal and evidentiary complexities of the investigation, the parliamentary committee has appointed a team of experienced legal professionals.
Advocate Norman Arendse SC has been named as the committee’s evidence leader, supported by Advocate Maria Mokhaetsi and Advocate Lerato Zikalala. Hearings are expected to take place in the Good Hope Chamber at Parliament in Cape Town.