Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, established to investigate allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has selected Member of Parliament (MP) Molapi Soviet Lekganyane as its chairperson.
The ad hoc committee – which met for the first time on Tuesday – was established to probe the allegations Mkhwanazi made regarding an alleged criminal syndicate that has spread into law enforcement and intelligence services.
The provincial police commissioner also made allegations implicating the judiciary, prosecutors, politicians, businesspeople and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who was subsequently placed on leave of absence by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
In his opening address to the committee, Lekganyane reminded MPs that it is their duty to unearth the truth for the people of South Africa.
“We have to do work in the name of the people of South Africa. These are the allegations that all of you…felt that could not be ignored or be put under wraps. All the eyes of the people of the Republic are on this committee and all the hopes of the people of this country are on us.
“Wherever there could have been unscrupulous activities, South Africans will want to [see] us rising to the occasion, speaking on their behalf. Those communities, those victims that do not have voices or could not be represented here but have elected us to be Members of Parliament, believe or have some modicum of belief, that we will represent them to the best of our abilities,” Lekganyane urged.
In a statement, Parliament explained that the committee is tasked with investigating the “veracity and implications of all the allegations made by… Mkhwanazi”.
“In its first meeting, the committee agreed that the draft terms of reference guiding its work should be finalised by Friday. Members of the committee will have an opportunity to make inputs into the terms of reference before that date.
“The committee also directed the Parliament Legal Services to ensure that all aspects relating to the process and rights of citizens are protected,” the statement read.
The committee is expected to meet next week to discuss its programme and terms of reference. – SAnews.gov.za
