The Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations of threats to national security within the criminal justice system does not have jurisdiction to declassify information it received while doing its work. This is according to the submissions of the ANC.

The committee was set up to probe allegations made by KZN Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, that some of the senior police personnel have colluded with criminal syndicates.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has since been placed on special leave.

ANC Member of Parliament Khusela Sangoni, says, “Our recommendation is, in terms of reference, we will be aligned with Parliament’s protocol on the handling of classified information, which arises within the environment of Parliament. But we would need to then engage with the other stakeholders, whether it is SAPS or any other intelligence services that we believe can make a decision on whether to declassify the information or to engage with it. But at this stage, it’s simply that we do not have the authority to do so.”

The committee has resolved that witness security protection will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee Molapi Lekganyane, says as a results some testimonies may be broadcast.

“There will be those extra-ordinary circumstances like the one that Andile has made reference to. The reason will be based on witness protection. But just to put a blanket statement that says where necessary, I don’t think that is what is desirable. Who determined what is necessary and what is not necessary? There will be exceptions that we agree to say because it’s on witness protection, on the grounds of witness protection, this will not be broadcasts,” says Lekganyane.

Lekganyane has praised the legal services of Parliament for their work in assisting the committee to draft its terms of reference.

He believes legal services have done their best under the circumstances.

“We must thank the technical team for the sterling work that it has done. It has not been a very easy task in its part, but they have shown courage. They have shown determination to help the committee to succed in its work and for that, I believe that they deserve the accolades,” he adds.