By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The National Assembly (NA) has approved a third extension for the ad hoc committee investigating allegations of corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system.
The resolution was tabled by ANC chief whip Mdumiseni Ntuli during a brief virtual sitting of the House chaired by speaker Thoko Didiza. Ntuli asked the House to extend the deadline for the committee established to probe allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The committee was expected to conclude its work on Friday, 20 February 2026.
During a brief virtual sitting, Members of Parliament agreed to extend the mandate to allow more witnesses to testify.
These include the return of forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan, North West businessman Brown Mogotsi, former acting national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane, and the possibility of a submission from President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Since it started, the committee has heard testimony from several high-profile witnesses, including suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, his predecessor Bheki Cele, tenderpreneur and alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala.
The committee’s original reporting deadline was October 2025. It was subsequently extended to February 20 and has now been pushed out again to the end of March.
The committee is expected to publish a revised programme for the remaining hearings and then begin drafting its final report for tabling in the National Assembly.