By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has granted the Parliament Ad Hoc Committee investigating corruption and malfeasance in the criminal justice, an extension until 30 October.
It’s the sixth extension since the committee wrapped up testimonies in March 2026.
The original deadline had been set for the end of October 2025, before being extended multiple times.
Committee chairperson, Soviet Lekganyane, said the poor conduct of some members has “derailed” the committee’s ability to complete its report on time.
The committee had until Friday to conclude its draft report before sending it to the National Assembly for adoption.
It met on Thursday night to continue deliberations on its long-overdue draft report.
During the deliberations, Democratic Alliance (DA) raised concerns about the potential influence of political fixer Brown Mogotsi over Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
The party has argued that the absence of direct communication between Mchunu and underworld kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala does not remove questions about the minister’s accessibility through an intermediary.
In its submission on the draft report, the DA said the relationship between Mchunu and Mogotsi remains a matter of concern, particularly where an intermediary may have been able to facilitate access to the minister.
The African National Confgress (ANC) committee member Xola Nqola said the committee had not received testimony or other evidence establishing a direct connection between the minister and Matlala.
“Chair, we understand the thinking and concern from Honourable Klopper or the DA, but our concern is that we don’t really have evidence before us that links Minister Mchunu to Matlala,” Nqola said.
Nqola said the ANC could not accept the DA’s paragraph in its current form, although he indicated that the wording could be reconsidered if it was amended to better reflect the evidence before the committee.
The committee also expressed concern about the non-attendance of some committee members, as numbers have dwindled since the deliberations on the report began.
Chairperson said: “We will request the secretariat to write to these members to remind them that the work of the committee is continuing and when they have an opportunity, they should attend meetings.”
The committee then agreed again to approach the Speaker seeking an extension. It was due to submit its report on Friday, 11 September.
Lekganyane added the committee remains steadfastly committed to transparency, accountability and completing its mandate with the highest degree of diligence. Further updates regarding the revised reporting schedule will be communicated once the Speaker has formally considered the request.
In a statement issued on Friday, 11 September 2026, Didiza confirmed that she is authorised to grant the extensions under the National Assembly’s rules.
“The Speaker has indeed agreed to requested extension, meaning the committee now is expected to conclude its work, to make sure the report is ready by 30 October, for report to be tabled before a sitting of the National Assembly for its consideration.”
The committee concluded its public hearings in mid-March and is now tasked with compiling a final report.
Since commencing public hearings on 7 October, the committee heard testimony from a number of high-profile figures.
These include 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.