The testimony of former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) head Robert McBride before parliament’s ad hoc committee kicked off on a contentious note on Tuesday. The committee is investigating allegations of corruption in the criminal justice system. McBride appeared before the committee to address his role in overseeing investigations into police misconduct, as well as allegations made against him regarding the abuse of state resources and alleged compromising of Ipid investigations.
The proceedings hit an immediate snag when evidence leader Norman Arendse asked McBride about his current job and the details of the CV submitted to the committee. McBride admitted the CV was not updated and stated he could not disclose his place of employment. This refusal sparked a backlash from MPs who demanded a justification for his lack of transparency and his failure to provide a current professional record.
In his defence, McBride claimed he was legally prohibited from disclosing his current role, citing a law that required him to maintain confidentiality. He further noted that he did not have the capacity to update his CV before the hearing. I don’t know why this information should be withheld in parliament; you can even Google it While McBride didn’t want to disclose his job, he was reportedly appointed as the head of the foreign branch of the State Security Agency (SSA) in 2020 for a three-year term but was suspended in July 2021 after a failed operation in Mozambique.
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ANC MP Xola Nqola questioned the logic of withholding information that is easily accessible. “I don’t know why this information should be withheld in parliament; you can even Google it,” Nqola said. “It is public information where he works.” ActionSA MP Dereleen James echoed the sentiments, pointing out that his appointment as director of the SSA’s foreign branch was widely publicised.
“It’s all over. Why couldn’t he answer a simple question?” she asked. Beyond the paperwork, McBride’s demeanor also drew fire. EFF MP Leigh-Ann Mathys criticised his preparation and his attitude towards the committee.
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