‘Mkhwanazi Is Not Proper Before Us,’ Says Malema as Ad Hoc Committee Stalls

Malema takes a jab on Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

by Mathipa Phishego

The parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee proceedings were temporarily halted on Tuesday after Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema objected to Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi taking his oath, arguing that the Kwa Zulu-Natal police chief had not submitted a proper sworn statement before the committee.

Malema challenged the process, saying Mkhwanazi’s statement appeared to be a repurposed version of the one he previously submitted to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, rather than an original affidavit dedicated to the Ad Hoc Committee’s work. “Where have you ever heard of the first statement being deposed as a supplementary one?” Malema asked, insisting that the committee could not proceed under such conditions.

He demanded that the committee adjourn until the procedural concerns were resolved.“General Mkhwanazi is not proper before us. We are not a junior of the Madlanga Commission.I might not be a lawyer, but I’m a lawmaker,” said Malema.

There is no such law that says a first statement can be called a supplementary. “We will not be embarrassed in front of cameras,” he stated.

Members of Parliament (MPs) from the MK Party, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and African National Congress (ANC) supported Malema’s call, prompting the committee to suspend proceedings temporarily.

Malema further called for the removal of evidence leader Advocate Arendse, accusing him of undermining the authority of the committee’s chairperson. “I really have no confidence in him,” Malema said.

The Ad Hoc Committee, established to examine aspects of policing leadership and accountability linked to the ongoing fallout from the Madlanga Commission, was due to hear Mkhwanazi’s testimony today.

However, following the objections, the session was adjourned briefly to deliberate on the matter. It remains unclear when proceedings will resume.