The chairpersons of Parliament’s Justice and Police committees have welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of a judicial commission of inquiry to probe allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The provincial commissioner made several allegations about an alleged criminal syndicate that has spread into law enforcement and intelligence services as well as allegations implicating the judiciary, prosecutors, politicians and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
The Police Minister has been placed on leave of absence by the President.
READ | Mkhwanazi allegations: What the judicial commission of inquiry will probe
Justice and Constitutional Development Committee chairperson, Xola Nqola, said: “The National Prosecuting Authority, as well as the Judiciary and Magistracy are pillars of the criminal justice system and constitutional rule of law. They are the guardians of justice and accountability, and we cannot have a question mark hanging over them, causing the public to lose confidence in our justice system.”
Police Portfolio Committee chairperson, Ian Cameron, said: “The announcement of the establishment of a commission will surely enable a process to root out corruption from the SAPS. It is important that the establishment of the commission is not merely cosmetic but facilitates greater reflection and steps to rejuvenate the entire criminal justice system.”
Last week, National Assembly Speaker, Thoko Didiza, mandated the two committees and the Intelligence Committee to consider Mkhwanazi’s allegations.
In that regard, the committees are expected to meet this week to consider the way forward and report back to Didiza. – SAnews.gov.za
