Parliament’s ad hoc committee tasked with probing allegations of systemic misconduct within the SA Police Service (SAPS) has formally adopted its terms of reference, clearing the way for witness testimony to commence.
The committee, chaired by ANC MP Soviet Lekganyane, will begin proceedings with KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, whose July 6 public disclosures prompted the inquiry.
The committee’s mandate includes investigating the alleged unlawful disbandment of the SAPS political killings task team, the removal of 121 case dockets reportedly on instruction from deputy national commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, and a moratorium on filling vacancies within the crime intelligence unit.
The claims implicate senior police leadership and, if substantiated, suggest a pattern of interference with operational integrity.
Following two failed attempts to reach consensus, the committee finalised its terms of reference late on Friday. The document outlines procedural safeguards, including the use of sworn written statements, regulated virtual attendance and protections for whistle-blowers under the Protected Disclosures Act.
The terms of reference provide a structured framework for the inquiry. The committee’s ability to navigate political sensitivities and legal complexities is expected to determine its effectiveness.
It also authorises the procurement of external legal counsel to assist with evidence gathering, a measure supported across party lines. Parliament’s constitutional and legal services office will oversee the appointment, with procurement expected to conclude within four days.
EFF leader Julius Malema cautioned against vague language in the terms of reference, urging the committee to specify the requirement for senior counsel.
“If we simply say ‘legal aspect’, we could expose ourselves to problems that weren’t addressed from the beginning,” Malema said, adding that virtual attendance must be formally requested and approved to preserve procedural seriousness.
Former police minister Bheki Cele has been added to the witness list following a proposal by the MK party, supported by all represented parties.
Lekganyane confirmed that Cele’s inclusion reflects the scope of Mkhwanazi’s allegations, some of which date back to Cele’s tenure. “The committee is putting the name there. We will come and then once we have listened to those that are there, order the manner in which Bheki Cele and other witnesses will be appearing,” Lekganyane said.
The committee has resolved to adhere to existing parliamentary protocols when handling classified information and may refer certain matters to relevant authorities to preserve institutional boundaries.
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