The Speaker of the National Assembly Thoko Didiza has asked three parliamentary portfolio committees to urgently consider scathing allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
This after Didiza earlier said she had 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.
“The speaker has today asked the portfolio committees on Police, Justice and Constitutional Development and the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence to consider, on an urgent basis, in terms of their respective mandates the wide ranging allegations regarding security matters that have implications for the country’s national security made by the KZN Police Commissioner, General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, and report to the National Assembly,” said parliament spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo.
Didiza however said it is premature to hold a debate on the matter.
“In relation to the debate requested by two political parties, the Speaker believes that it would not be appropriate to hold such a debate, as these allegations remain unsubstantiated at this stage,” explained Mothapo.
In addition, the speaker said she welcomed an undertaking by President Cyril Ramaphosa that he will address the matter upon his return from the BRICS meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Didiza’s announcement came after Mkhwanazi on Sunday accused police minister Senzo Mchunu and senior other police officials, of corruption, interfering in police investigations and protecting alleged corrupt businesspeople.
Meanwhile, addressing the media virtually, National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, revealed that Mkhwanazi has been receiving death threats, his security has been beefed up, and will not be persecuted for his remarks at the briefing.
“In terms of physical protection, he has been getting threats to his life in that province. We have beefed up his security. But he won’t be persecuted from my side, surely there will be no persecution of any member of the South African Police Service. Not only him, but anyone,” explained Masemola.
The Commissioner however acknowledged that the current situation is worrisome, not only to the force, but the public at large.
“Let me be unequivocal, the current state of affairs is unprecedented, concerning, unfortunate and requires un-compromised intervention to restore public trust and stability in the organisation. We as SAPS acknowledge and fully welcome the commitment made by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who said he’ll attend to this matter when he arrives back in the country,” said the Commissioner. We are ready to brief the president, we’ll engage him when he calls us,” remarked Masemola.
