Mkhwanazi's testimony uncertain

THE preparations for the inquiry into allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal SAPS commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi are shaping up despite him yet to confirm his appearance.

Mkhwanazi accused top police management of interference in the province’s anti-political killings task team and corruption - accusations that have led to the suspension of police minister Senzo Mchunu. 

Mkhwanazi has apparently been unable to confirm due to his commitment at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

On Friday, the Ad Hoc Committee members were told that evidence leaders had consulted with SAPS commissioner Fannie Masemola in Parliament.

Evidence leader Advocate Norman Arendse said: “We had an interview with General Masemola… which was not concluded because we need more time, and we have arranged to meet next week for another day.”

Masemola’s consultation comes after invitations to appear before the inquiry were made to the SAPS top leadership as the first batch to make testimonies when the hearings begin later this month.

Invitations have been sent to Mkhwanazi, Masemola, his deputy Shadrack Sibiya, suspended former police minister Senzo Mchunu, acting police Minister Firoz Cachalia and deputy ministers Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale.

Mchunu and Cachalia have not confirmed their availability, according to committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane.

Lekganyane said Masemola and Sibiya have requested to conduct consultations with the evidence leaders.

Lekganyane indicated that no person has been given a date to appear before the committee.This was contrary to reports suggesting that Sibiya was expected to appear before the committee on Wednesday.

The committee has long decided that Mkhwanazi will be the first to give a testimony as the originator of the allegations.

Lekganyane stated that Mkhwanazi had requested the committee to allow him to engage with Madlanga until 24 September.

Mkhwanazi’s non-appearance before 22 September, which is now the suggested date of the start of the hearings, has sparked mixed reaction from parties with EFF leader Julius Malema insisting that he should be summoned while others say he should be subpoenaed as the last resort.

Arendse confirmed that the Madlanga Commission was a long way down the road in terms of consulting Mkhwanazi and taking down sworn statements.