Calls for inquiry into Police Minister's alleged interference in police operations

Allegations of collusion between Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and the criminal underworld are to be urgently considered by three committees, as assigned by National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza. 

The Portfolio Committee on Police, the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, and the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence have been instructed to investigate the claims.

This comes after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, accused Mchunu of obstructing police operations and shielding tenderpreneur Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. 

Mkhwanazi further alleged that Mchunu interfered with police work by unilaterally disbanding a task team investigating political killings, bypassing consultation with both national and provincial commissioners.

Didiza has requested that the committees investigate the various allegations made by Mkhwanazi concerning national security, and subsequently report their findings to the National Assembly. 

However, Didiza declined requests from the DA and other parties for a debate on the matter, stating it would be inappropriate given that the allegations are currently unsubstantiated.

The allegations had sparked widespread calls for an investigation, with various political parties and organisations demanding action from the government with the latest call for action coming from the African Transformation Movement's (ATM) parliamentary leader Vuyo Zungula.

Zungula lodged a complaint with the public protector against Mchunu over the allegations.

In a letter to the public protector's office, Zungula characterised the situation as a blatant instance of executive misconduct, political interference and abuse of power.

"These revelations indicate nothing less than the direct capture of police power for private and political protection," Zungula said.

The DA has called for a joint parliamentary inquiry between the Portfolio Committees of Police and Justice to investigate the allegations, which was granted by Didiza, although she denied their request for a debate.

"We need to restore the integrity of the criminal justice system," said DA spokesperson Karabo Khakhau in a statement. 

"It's vital that institutions are able to investigate and prosecute crime without fear, favour, or political interference".

The EFF has also called for action, with its leader Julius Malema calling to South Africa citizens to rally behind Mkhwanazi. 

"We must never allow these criminals of the ANC to destroy Mkhwanazi,” Malema said.

The Inkatha Freedom Party has called for President Cyril Ramaphosa to immediately appoint an Independent Commission of Inquiry, chaired by a retired judge, to investigate the allegations.

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has also noted the allegations and called for a thorough investigation and an independent inquiry. 

Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane has written to  Ramaphosa urging him to act immediately to address the allegations. 

The GOOD Party had also called on the president to authorise a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe saying there were no other state agencies with the credibility and integrity to probe allegations of political interference in the criminal justice system.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus