CAPE TOWN – South African MP David Skosana has raised serious concerns about the credibility of the investigation into suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, likening it to the controversial Phala Phala case that shook the country’s political landscape.
Skosana, who serves on Parliament’s police portfolio committee, was speaking during a joint sitting with the justice committee on Tuesday. The two committees have recommended the formation of an ad hoc committee to probe allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi previously claimed that Minister Mchunu interfered in police operations and ordered the disbanding of the Political Killings Task Team—allegations that have triggered alarm within political and security circles.
Skosana warned fellow lawmakers not to rely on the ongoing investigation by the Office of the Public Protector, citing a conflict of interest due to Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka’s past role as Mchunu’s special advisor. “What we’re dealing with is not ordinary,” said Skosana. “We are facing a constitutional crisis, and justice may be manipulated by political interests.”
He said Parliament must act decisively, warning that the outcome may echo what happened in the Phala Phala case involving President Cyril Ramaphosa’s game farm scandal.
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) laid at least four formal complaints against Mchunu, which include interference in high-level SAPS investigations, conflict of interest in the awarding of a R360 million contract to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, and the abrupt collapse of the task team investigating political assassinations.
The Public Protector confirmed it had opened a formal investigation on 10 July but said it would not be completed within 30 days due to the complexity of the allegations. A full report will be submitted when the inquiry is finalised.
Parliament’s recommendation is for the National Assembly to establish the ad hoc committee within the next three months to ensure proper oversight.
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