Parliament conflicted, calls for independent inquiry into police corruption
Concerns raised over parliamentary investigation into police commissioner’s corruption claims
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
The African People’s Convention (APC) has voiced serious concerns regarding parliament’s decision to task three parliamentary committees, Police, Justice, Constitutional Development, and Intelligence, to investigate the serious allegations of the KwaZulu-Natal police Commissioner, General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi dropped a bombshell earlier this week, raising allegations of systemic corruption within South Africa’s police force.
He pointed a finger at top politicians, including police minister Senzo Mncunu and national deputy police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, for various criminal activities, including protecting certain criminals.
Yesterday, the National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza tasked three parliamentary committees - Police, Justice and Constitutional Development, and Intelligence—to investigate the claims concerning the KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, and related issues.
However, the APC warns that these measures are insufficient.
Former chair of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts Themba Godi stated that current investigations may not suffice, calling for an independent judicial inquiry to uncover the full extent of criminal syndicates allegedly operating within the system, including parliament.
“While the committees have been instructed to follow up on these issues, we believe this approach is not enough,” said Godi.
“Parliament itself may be compromised, as some members are suspected of colluding with criminal syndicates. This perceived conflict of interest undermines the credibility of any investigation led by parliament.”
Mkhwanazi alleged that some members of Parliament, including the National Prosecuting Authority, are implicated in collusion with syndicates involved in serious resource-related crimes.
These allegations have sent shockwaves through the political and law enforcement sectors.
Godi told IOL, "Only an independent judicial commission appointed by the president, staffed with a retired judge, can investigate these allegations without bias.
“The matter is too serious to be handled by parliamentary committees, which may have conflicts of interest or political motives."
Godi further said that the allegations are merely the tip of the iceberg.
“There are systemic issues of corruption within the police service that impact service delivery and threaten the safety of our citizens,” he stated.
“A narrow investigation focusing only on a few individuals will not address the root causes.”
The APC has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish a comprehensive, independent commission of inquiry, modelled after past successful investigations into criminal enterprises.
It said that such a commission, led by a retired judge with full powers, would scrutinise the entire police system and uncover the pervasive corruption that hampers justice and security.
Godi noted that similar commissions have previously exposed corruption at high levels, highlighting cases where individuals involved in criminal activities, including current government officials, ended up behind bars.
“The current moment demands a similar approach- a thorough investigation that goes beyond individual politicians or police officers, to the systemic issues at play,” said Godi.
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