National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has called on Parliament's ad hoc committee probing police corruption allegations to conclude its year-long inquiry. The committee, established in August last year, has secured multiple extensions to complete its report despite concluding public hearings and evidence-gathering. Didiza's intervention comes after the committee missed its previous deadline, with the latest extension granted until October 30.
The committee's delays have been attributed to various factors, including the conduct of some members and political differences. Committee chairperson Molapi Soviet Lekganyane has stated that "unnecessary things" have derailed meetings, preventing the committee from completing its work. Didiza has personally raised her concerns with Lekganyane, emphasizing the need to conclude the process.
Didiza has cautioned the committee against straying beyond its terms of reference, which were approved when it was established to investigate allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. She stressed that concluding the process does not require members to agree entirely, but rather to acknowledge areas of agreement and disagreement.
The committee's preliminary findings and recommendations are expected to be finalised before submitting the report to the National Assembly for adoption. Didiza's intervention is seen as a push to ensure the committee completes its mandate, despite challenges and delays. The committee's work has been closely watched, with various stakeholders awaiting its findings.
In recent weeks, the committee had to call off a meeting meant to finalise its report due to a lack of attendance by MPs. This development highlights the challenges faced by the committee in completing its work. Didiza's comments suggest that she is keen to ensure the committee's work is completed in a timely manner.
The ad hoc committee was established to investigate allegations of police corruption and political interference. Its work has been ongoing for over a year, with multiple extensions granted to complete its report. The committee's findings are expected to have significant implications for the South African police and the country's law enforcement agencies.
Didiza's call for the committee to conclude its report is seen as a significant development in the ongoing inquiry. The committee's work is expected to be finalised by October 30, with its report submitted to the National Assembly for adoption. The outcome of the inquiry will be closely watched by various stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies and the general public.
Key points
- National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has urged Parliament's ad hoc committee investigating police corruption to conclude its year-long inquiry.
- The committee has secured multiple extensions to complete its report, despite concluding public hearings and evidence-gathering.
- Didiza has cautioned the committee against straying beyond its terms of reference and emphasised the need to conclude the process.
