By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system met on Wednesday to discuss the next steps.
Deputy Police Minister Cassel Mathale concluded his testimony last night.
Evidence leader Norman Arendse told MPs that the legal team had identified some witnesses who might not need to testify in person and could instead submit written statements.
He explained that certain witnesses were currently unavailable – among them Dumisani Khumalo, who fell ill earlier this month during the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Arendse noted that Khumalo is expected to resume giving evidence before the commission next week.
He proposed that SAPS chief of staff Cedric Nkabinde testify on 13 and 14 November, and that South African Police Service (Saps) chief financial officer (CFO) Puleng Dimpane be called to provide information about the funding of the political killings task team (PKTT).
He added that Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI) Imitiaz Fazel was not cooperating with the committee due to his suspension.
The legal team also proposed that North West businessman Oupa “Brown” Mogotsi testify on 18, 19, and 20 November.
Other proposed witnesses include forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan, former Crime Intelligence boss Richard Mdluli and alleged cartel member Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is currently in custody for attempted murder.
The committee’s chairperson, Soviet Lekganyane, confirmed that both Firoz Cachalia and Polly Boshielo would remain on the list of witnesses scheduled to testify next week.
In addition, Fazel would be subpoenaed if he is reluctant to appear.
Lekganyane described Matlala as a “category A” witness, emphasising that arrangements would need to be made to facilitate his appearance since he is incarcerated.
The committee was set up to dig into claims made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in July 2025.
Mkhwanazi alleged widespread criminal networks infiltrating Gauteng’s justice system, including ties to police, courts, and syndicates. He claimed dockets on political killings were being sabotaged, with interference from senior officials like suspended Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and former Minister Senzo Mchunu.
The committee has been granted an extension until 28 November 2025 in order to complete its work, pushing the original end-of-October deadline out of reach.
Watch Live in the video below:
Video Courtesy of Parliament.