Malema Unavailable for Ad Hoc Committee Session
EFF leader is not available for the Ad Hoc Committee. (EFF via X)
by Mathipa Phishego
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema will be absent from Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee proceedings until Wednesday, meaning he will miss the opportunity to directly question Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, who is scheduled to appear before the committee this week.
Malema’s absence comes as the committee continues its high-stakes inquiry into matters involving police leadership, accountability, and the alleged influence of criminal networks within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Parliamentary officials confirmed that the EFF leader had informed the committee of his unavailability, though no official reason for his absence has been publicly disclosed. His absence could have a noticeable impact on the day’s proceedings, given his prominent role and vocal participation in previous sessions.
Malema has in recent weeks dominated the committee’s deliberations most recently challenging the admissibility of Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s statement and questioning the conduct of evidence leader Advocate Arendse.
His interventions have repeatedly led to heated exchanges and temporary adjournments. With Malema out of session until midweek, proceedings are expected to continue under the leadership of other members, though some insiders anticipate a calmer tone in his absence.
Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya is expected to give crucial testimony regarding internal SAPS operations, management decisions, and allegations of misconduct within the upper ranks.
The Ad Hoc Committee, established to probe claims of systemic failures within the police service, is expected to resume questioning other witnesses on Tuesday and Wednesday with Malema set to rejoin deliberations once he returns.The EFF has not issued a public statement regarding Malema’s absence.
