Parliament’s ad hoc committee, established to investigate explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has officially elected Molapi Lekganyane (also spelled Lekgwenyane in some reports) of the ANC as its chairperson[2][3]. The committee, made up of 11 members, was set up to probe claims that senior South African Police Service (SAPS) officials, including Minister Senzo Mchunu (now on special leave), are involved in corruption and connected to criminal syndicates[2].
The election of Lekganyane as chairperson took place during the committee’s first sitting on August 5, 2025[3]. The meeting was open to both media and the public, and proceedings could be followed via Parliament TV, YouTube, and other official channels[1].
However, the choice of an ANC member to lead the committee has been met with criticism from opposition parties such as the EFF, MK Party, and ActionSA, who argue that it is problematic for the inquiry to be chaired by a representative of the party implicated in the allegations[5]. ActionSA’s Dereleen James stated that the process would have greater credibility if chaired by someone from a party not affected by the claims[5].
The committee has set a Friday deadline to finalize its terms of reference, outlining the scope of its investigation into the severe allegations that implicate high-ranking SAPS officials[7]. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for decisive action, urging the committee to ensure a full and transparent report that publicly names any individuals found to be involved[6].
References
- [1] The Ad Hoc Committee to Investigate Allegations by Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi
- [2] Lekganyane to chair ad hoc committee probing Mkhwanazi’s claims
- [3] Lekgwenyane elected as Chairperson of Ad Hoc Committee to probe Mkhwanazi’s allegations
- [5] ANC MP’s leadership of Mkhwanazi ad hoc committee questioned
- [6] DA demands decisive action from new Ad Hoc Committee
- [7] Ad hoc Committee sets Friday deadline to finalise terms of reference in Mkhwanazi’s probe