Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating allegations of corruption in the criminal justice system is set to resume oral hearings next week, after a recess that began in November last year. The committee met on Wednesday to discuss operational matters, including witness consultations, a draft programme for the resumption of hearings and a public-participation report for recommendations. Proceedings will resume on January 14 with evidence from former acting national police commissioner Lt-Gen Kgomotso Phahlane, followed by the head of crime intelligence, Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, on January 15 and 16.
The committee has recommended the following dates for key witnesses: McBride faces allegations of improper collusion with private forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan to target specific individuals in the police service. He is also accused of corruption and unethical conduct. O’Sullivan faces allegations of being an agent tasked with destabilising the country.
In November, Cedrick Nkabinde — chief of staff to suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu — alleged O’Sullivan sent him a threatening text message while he was testifying before the committee. Mkhwanazi is accused of having an irregular relationship with murder accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. He allegedly facilitated the fraudulent registration of Matlala’s private vehicles as official municipal vehicles, which were then fitted with emergency blue lights.
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Identified as a central figure in the investigation, Mogotsi is alleged to be a middleman between high-ranking politicians and organised crime syndicates. Parliament has granted an extension for the committee to continue its work until the end of February. Evidence leader Norman Arendse SC informed the committee that consultations with the six witnesses are complete and their statements will be finalised in the coming days.
While Arendse noted that O’Sullivan is now in the UK and cited “security situation” concerns for his inability to appear in person, MPs rejected this, demanding that he testify before parliament physically. MPs further raised concerns regarding witness protection and identified additional individuals who should be called to testify.
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