Didiza weighs urgent debate requests following explosive allegations from Mkhwanazi
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National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza is considering the action to take following allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo stated that Didiza is concerned about the wide-ranging allegations presented by Mkhwanazi regarding security matters that could impact the country's national security.
'We welcome the statement by the president indicating that he will address this matter upon his return from the BRICS meeting in Rio de Janeiro,' he said.
Mothapo said Didiza has received correspondence from political parties for urgent debate and a request from a portfolio committee asking for advice in handling the allegations.
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'The Speaker has since received two letters from political parties requesting a snap debate on the issues raised by General Mkhwanazi, in accordance with the Rules of the National Assembly.
'In addition, the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police has written to the Speaker seeking guidance on how the committee should address these matters, as they fall within its oversight responsibilities. The Speaker is currently considering all of these matters,' Mothapo said.
Didiza made the comments after the DA wrote to Didiza asking for an urgent debate in Parliament on corruption within the SAPS.
DA MP and Chairperson of Police Portfolio Committee Ian Cameron said the disturbing allegations of corruption, political interference, and malfeasance at the very top of South Africa's law enforcement and national security infrastructure should be investigated immediately.
'It is deeply harrowing to hear of reports by the provincial commissioner of alleged political and criminal interference within the SAPS' police killings task team. We demand an investigation, and the DA will get answers,' he said.
'The president of the Republic, who is presently away, must also immediately respond to allegations against a Cabinet minister. We trust that the Speaker rules accordingly in due course,' Cameron said.
ActionSA MP Dereleen James also wrote to Didiza, requesting an urgent debate on the broader criminal justice system following the allegations by Mkhwanazi.
'Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's remarks are a clear indication that the situation has reached breaking point. Parliament must therefore intervene without delay, as responsibility cannot rest solely with the Minister of Police or the president, who have presided over the escalation and deepening of this crisis,' James said.
The DA is now calling for a joint parliamentary inquiry involving the Portfolio Committees of Police and Justice to investigate the allegations of corruption and political interference made by Mkhwanazi.
DA MP and deputy spokesperson on police Lisa Schickerling said the proposal for a joint inquiry was the best alternative to an ad hoc committee.
'The DA believes that Parliament can no longer rely on these institutions to police themselves. A formal parliamentary inquiry is essential to uncover the truth, establish accountability, and restore integrity to the criminal justice system,' she said.
The push for snap debate comes as some parties want an independent judicial commission, while others have asked the Public Protector to investigate.
mayibongwe.maqhina@inl.co.za
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