By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza granted the Ad Hoc committee investigating allegations of corruption into criminal justice a sixth extension to complete its work until 12 June 2026.
The ad hoc committee has not met in weeks, after proceedings expired at the end of April. At its last housekeeping meeting, the committee decided to ask for more time from Didiza to finalise its draft report.
In an announcement published in Parliament, Didiza stated that she is empowered to grant such an extension in terms of Assembly Rule 253(6)(C) that states that an ad hoc committee may be revived by decision of the Speaker or resolution of the House if it has not completed its task.
Didiza said that on 1 April she invoked the said rule to revive the committee, which had expired on 31 March, and extended the term to the end of April.
A draft final report was expected on 11 May, followed by final deliberations on 13 May and adoption and tabling on 14 May.
Since commencing public hearings on 7 October, the committee heard testimony from a number of high-profile figures.
These include tenderpreneur Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, former 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.
Additional witnesses who gave evidence include suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi, political fixer Oupa Brown Mogotsi, Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo, forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan and former acting national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane.