The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has expressed its support for the newly established Ad Hoc Committee in the South African National Assembly, tasked with investigating serious allegations of corruption, criminal syndicate infiltration, and political interference within the country’s law enforcement agencies. 

The committee is set to commence its work on Tuesday.

In a statement issued on Monday by EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo, the party lauded the move as a critical step toward addressing the deep-rooted issues plaguing South Africa’s justice system. 

The party warned that the committee’s formation aligns with the EFF’s longstanding call for a transparent and urgent parliamentary investigation into explosive revelations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

“We welcome the National Assembly’s unanimous resolution to establish this committee, as a necessary first step in unearthing the rot that has destroyed the very foundations of justice and accountability in this country,” Thambo stated. 

He underscored that the investigation will focus on the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team and other critical issues raised by Mkhwanazi, highlighting concerns over relationships between senior police leadership and certain members of the public, as well as infiltration into the judiciary.

Thambo warned that the revelations threaten to erode public trust in South Africa’s criminal justice system. 

“This is about whether South Africans can believe that the institutions charged with protecting them are not themselves captured by criminal interests,” he said.

The EFF leader also criticised Parliament’s previous shortcomings, citing failures to act decisively during pivotal moments, such as the Section 89 independent report on the Phala Phala scandal and responses to the State Capture Commission’s findings. 

“These failures highlight how Parliament often functions less as an independent oversight body and more as an extension of the Executive,” Thambo remarked.

He stressed the importance of the committee’s leadership and composition. Given the gravity of the allegations, including potential misconduct by the Minister of Police and other senior government figures, the EFF advocates for a chairperson who is not affiliated with the Government of National Unity (GNU). 

“The credibility of this committee depends on its independence,” Thambo asserted.

The party called on all committee members to prioritise truth and transparency over political allegiance. 

“This is an opportunity for Parliament to demonstrate that it can rise above partisanship and serve the national interest,” Thambo urged.

The EFF also pledged full participation in the investigation, vowing to scrutinise all officials and ensure that no one, regardless of rank or party, is shielded from accountability. 

“We will ensure that South Africa’s policing and justice systems are restored to serve the people, free from corruption and criminal influence,” Thambo affirmed.

thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za

IOL Politics

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