Cedric Nkabinde, chief of staff to suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, will appear before Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating allegations of corruption and political interference in the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Thursday morning.
The hearing follows weeks of high-profile testimony, including from Mchunu himself, who denied any wrongdoing or interference in police operations during his appearance last month. Nkabinde is expected to face intense scrutiny over his rapid rise within the ministry, his role in the controversial disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) in December 2024, and his close relationship with Mchunu.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi previously told the committee that he was introduced to Mchunu through Nkabinde prior to the minister’s appointment in 2024. Mkhwanazi also alleged that Nkabinde informed him of Mchunu’s ties to controversial businessman Brown Mogotsi.
The PKTT’s dissolution, ordered by Mchunu, has been a central point of contention. Mchunu maintained the decision was part of a restructuring process and followed consultations with President Cyril Ramaphosa. Critics, including Mkhwanazi, claim it was intended to protect criminal networks.During his testimony, Mchunu submitted audio recordings of conversations between Nkabinde and Mkhwanazi, alleging threats were made against him. The committee, however, declined to accept the recordings as evidence due to incomplete context.
Questions are also likely to focus on whether Nkabinde holds appropriate security clearance to access sensitive police intelligence—a point raised during Mchunu’s session, where the minister admitted he was unsure of his aide’s status. Speaking at a press conference in October, Nkabinde described a police raid on his home as an act of “harassment and intimidation,” particularly given his upcoming parliamentary appearance.
He said his legal team had formally reported the incident to the ad hoc committee. Thursday’s session follows testimony from National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi, who warned of organised crime syndicates infiltrating key institutions, including the SAPS and the broader criminal justice system.
The committee, racing against a late-November deadline and with Mchunu currently on special leave and under investigation, Nkabinde’s evidence could prove pivotal in determining the extent of political influence within the police service.