Ad Hoc Committee to meet and discuss matters related to the deadline of the inquiry.
Image: ARMAND HOUGH Independent Newspapers
The parliamentary inquiry into alleged criminal infiltration of SAPS and the Judiciary is set to meet on Tuesday and discuss whether to extend its mandate yet again, just hours before its deadline expires.
The Ad Hoc Committee, established in August last year to investigate claims shaking the foundations of the criminal justice system, will meet virtually at 2 pm to consider requesting a fourth extension from the Speaker’s Office.
At the centre of the probe are damning allegations by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the inquiry’s first and so far only witness.
He accused elements within the SAPS and the judiciary of criminal infiltration, corruption, and political interference, claims that have sent shockwaves through Parliament.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, the committee’s progress has been halting.
Interviews only began in October, and with just over a week between its last engagement and the looming deadline, MPs are now under pressure to justify prolonging the inquiry.
The committee has already secured two extensions. A third now appears imminent, largely to allow time to compile a comprehensive report.
Several MPs have warned against dragging out proceedings, particularly as at least five committee members also chair key parliamentary portfolios, whose work has been sidelined.
IOL Politics