The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police and the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, in a joint meeting, said that an ad hoc committee is the most appropriate mechanism to investigate allegations made by the South African Police Service (Saps)  KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkwanazi.

As per the directive from the Speaker, the two committees will recommend to the National Assembly (NA) that an ad hoc committee be established to consider the matter. 

The committees’ recommendations will also emphasise “the need for urgency in considering the matter.”

Following consideration of a legal opinion from the Parliamentary Legal Services, the committees agreed that the format of an ad hoc committee, as provided for under Rule 253 of the National Assembly, is best suited for the matter at hand.

In a joint statement, Ian Cameron, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, and Xola Nqola, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, said: “The rationale for this option is that the scope of such a committee is specific and time-bound.”

The committees had been presented with two other options: a full-scale investigative inquiry and allowing the two committees to exercise their conferring powers in terms of Rule 169 of the National Assembly.

However, the majority of members favoured the ad hoc route as it would keep Parliament directly involved in the process and ensure the exercise of oversight responsibilities.

The committees reiterated the seriousness of the allegations and the necessity for swift action. 

“The committee reiterated the urgency of the matter and the need to reach findings on the allegations to protect the integrity and standing of the entire criminal justice system.”

In addressing concerns around possible overlap with the work of the commission of inquiry already established by the President, the committees highlighted the need to avoid redundancy.

“The committee highlighted the need to avoid duplication of the work of the commission of inquiry established by the President.”

They further called for transparency and ongoing scrutiny, saying: “The committee emphasised the need for continuous oversight over the work of the Presidential commission of inquiry and requested that the interim reports submitted to the President be made available to Parliament.”

At their next meeting, the committees are expected to finalise the terms of reference and timelines for the ad hoc committee, which will guide its scope and deliverables.

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za 

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