Malema halts SAPS interference hearing over ‘Supplementary Statement’ dispute
EFF leader Julius Malema stopped Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s testimony before it could even begin—just 30 minutes into Parliament’s public hearing on political interference in the South African Police Service (SAPS). Proceedings nearly came to a complete standstill.
Malema, who was tasked with administering the oath to former acting national police commissioner Mkhwanazi, refused to proceed. He questioned why Mkhwanazi’s statement to the committee was labelled as a “supplementary statement.”
Malema argued that the Ad Hoc Committee should have its own original statement, not one tied to the Madlanga Commission, where Mkhwanazi has already given evidence. He did not back down, accusing the committee’s legal team of ignoring earlier instructions. Malema claimed the situation had now publicly embarrassed the committee in front of cameras.
Several members agreed that the hearings should be postponed to allow the committee time to sort out the confusion. One member even stated that he had no confidence in the Madlanga Commission and would not operate as secondary to it.
Malema then insisted that Mkhwanazi be released until the matter was resolved, blocking the chairperson from engaging with him further. He declared that any engagement with Mkhwanazi was out of order.
The hearing was subsequently adjourned to fix the paperwork. The word “supplementary” will now be removed from Mkhwanazi’s statement, and the proceedings are expected to resume soon.
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