Cape town: The Ad Hoc Committee formed to probe allegations within the South African Police Service (SAPS), specifically concerning the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has decided to suspend its activities. This decision follows a hearing where testimony from Mchunu Nkabinde, the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Minister of Police, was deemed unsatisfactory.

According to South African Government News Agency, during the hearing, Nkabinde struggled to clarify vital issues, including the timeline related to his communications with North West businessman Brown Mogotsi. The committee noted that the evidence presented was inconsistent and lacked verifiable accuracy, especially regarding details that should have been easily confirmed through the Minister’s official diary.

Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson Soviet Lekganyane expressed concerns about Nkabinde’s testimony. ‘The witness failed to provide clear and truthful responses to straightforward questions. Despite his senior position, he could not confirm basic calendar details and demonstrated no intention to be forthright with the committee,’ Lekganyane remarked on Thursday.

The committee has chosen to pause the proceedings for the day, with the possibility of rescheduling Nkabinde’s appearance for a future date. Additionally, the Parliamentary Legal Services team has been tasked with advising on any potential consequences stemming from the witness’s conduct during the session.

‘The committee remains committed to executing its mandate in a thorough, fair, and transparent manner. We expect all witnesses appearing before us to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability. The work of this committee is undertaken in the interests of the people of South Africa, and we will not allow the process to be undermined by unprepared or untruthful testimony,’ the chairperson affirmed.