Mkhwanazi to Face Ad Hoc Committee Over Graft Claims
Johannesburg - KwaZulu-Natal's top police official, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, is scheduled to testify before the Ad Hoc Committee in Parliament on Tuesday. This appearance follows his extensive three-day testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry last month, adding fuel to the ongoing debate about corruption within the South African criminal justice system.
The upcoming testimony and previous commission appearance stem from Mkhwanazi's startling claims made in July, where he alleged widespread rot and corruption impacting the effectiveness of the system. These claims have sent shockwaves through political circles and law enforcement agencies alike.
Kohler-Barnard in the Crosshairs?
During his testimony at the Madlanga Commission, Mkhwanazi specifically implicated several prominent politicians, including Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament Dianne Kohler-Barnard. He accused Kohler-Barnard of allegedly sabotaging crime intelligence by leaking classified information for political advantage. These are serious allegations that, if proven true, could have significant legal and political ramifications.
Mkhwanazi's accusations are a direct response to Kohler-Barnard's 2012 affidavits, in which she accused him of concealing details surrounding a deadly police shooting. The tension between the two figures has been palpable, with each accusing the other of wrongdoing.
Kohler-Barnard Responds
Kohler-Barnard recently spoke with eNCA, outlining her expectations for the inquiry's proceedings. As a member of the joint standing committee on intelligence, she has a unique perspective on the matter. While she has denied Mkhwanazi's allegations, Kohler-Barnard stated that she hopes Mkhwanazi will offer an apology and retract his statements.
The Ad Hoc Committee testimony promises to be a pivotal moment in this ongoing saga, as Mkhwanazi will have the opportunity to further elaborate on his claims and provide evidence to support his accusations. The nation will be watching closely to see how this unfolds and what impact it will have on the fight against corruption in South Africa.