DA MPs walk out of ad hoc committee over ‘incriminating’ witness testimony

In a dramatic start to Thursday’s proceedings of parliament’s ad hoc committee,DAMPs abruptly exited the committee, citing “deep discomfort” about the testimony of businessman Kishene Chetty. The committee is investigating allegations of corruption in the criminal justice system — claims supported by Chetty. The businessman, who faces multiple criminal charges, submitted an affidavit alleging widespread misconduct, unethical interference, and abuse of power by the police, theNational Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) and the Investigative Directorate Against Corruption (Idac).

This is Chetty’s second appearance before the committee. During his first attempt to testify, he was turned away after MPs ruled his statement lacked sufficient substantiating documentation. While he returned on Thursday with a revised statement, proceedings stalled almost immediately.

As the evidence leader began the examination, MPs raised concern about the nature of Chetty’s testimony. Specifically, members warned that the witness risked incriminating himself in several pending criminal matters and noted the legal sensitivity of his allegations against thejudiciary. The debate quickly turned internal, with some MPs criticising the committee’s legal team for failing to flag these issues before the hearing.

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Others pointed to a lack of investigative resources in parliament as the root cause of the oversight. The primary point of contention involved the legal risks facing Chetty, who appeared without legal counsel. While some members argued that Chetty could simply choose which questions to answer, others noted that nearly his entire statement pertained to active, pending court cases.

DA MPGlynnis Breytenbachquestioned why Chetty was being allowed to testify under such circumstances. “I have gone through this affidavit, and I am concerned about the contents and why Mr Chetty is here today,” she said.

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