CAPE TOWN – EFF leader Julius Malema has declined a nomination to chair Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The committee, made up of MPs from various parties, held its first meeting on Tuesday to elect its chairperson and begin preparations for the probe. ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli nominated ANC MP Molapi Soviet Lekganyane, who accepted and was elected unopposed after Malema turned down his own nomination.
Malema was nominated by MK Party MP David Mandla Skosana but responded, “Thanks for the nomination [but] I am not available.”
The ad hoc committee was established following a joint recommendation by the Portfolio Committees on Police and Justice and Constitutional Development. Both committees advised that an independent structure be set up to investigate Mkhwanazi’s claims, which were made public during a press briefing last month.
Mkhwanazi had accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of deliberately collapsing the political killings task team in KwaZulu-Natal. He claimed the move was intended to protect individuals with political ties to criminal syndicates.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has since placed Mchunu on special leave, while a judicial commission of inquiry, led by former acting deputy chief justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, has been appointed to look into the allegations.
The Madlanga commission is expected to examine claims of political interference, corruption, and criminal influence within the SAPS, the National Prosecuting Authority, and the State Security Agency. According to the gazetted terms of reference, the commission has the authority to summon witnesses and is expected to produce a preliminary report within three months and a final report in six.
The ad hoc committee has been given 90 days to complete its investigation, though this may be extended depending on the progress and scope of the probe.
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