Johannesburg – Speaker of the National Assembly Thoko Didiza has confirmed receiving urgent requests from MPs to convene a snap debate on explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The top cop’s allegations have rocked the political and judicial establishment and triggered a call for a full Commission of Inquiry from the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).
Parliament said on Tuesday that Speaker Didiza had received two formal letters from political parties requesting an emergency debate on the claims, which implicate Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, members of the judiciary, and prosecutors in what is alleged to be a systemic cover-up of politically motivated killings and deep-rooted corruption.
“The Speaker is considering all of these matters,” Parliament said in a brief statement, adding that the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police had also written to Didiza seeking guidance on how Parliament should exercise its oversight powers in light of the allegations.
The Speaker’s measured response comes amid mounting public and political pressure, with the SAHRC warning that the allegations pose a serious threat to South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
“The Commission views these allegations as a significant challenge for SAPS, which plays a vital role in maintaining public order, ensuring the safety of all citizens and securing constitutional democracy,” the SAHRC said.
In an official letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the SAHRC has called for the establishment of a formal Commission of Inquiry, saying only a comprehensive investigation—armed with subpoena powers—can restore public trust and uncover the extent of political interference in the justice system.
The Commission’s statement referenced unresolved cases of whistleblower assassinations, widespread allegations of corruption, and SAPS’s ongoing struggles with gender-based violence (GBV), abductions, and violent crime.
“These revelations demand urgent attention and thorough investigation. It is critical for the SAPS to regain public confidence in its ability to fulfil its constitutional mandate,” the SAHRC added.
The rights body joins a growing list of political and civic organisations calling for independent intervention, following Mkhwanazi’s televised media briefing on Sunday, in which he made stunning claims of deliberate sabotage by senior police leadership. He alleged that a task team investigating political killings was unlawfully disbanded after achieving major breakthroughs—allegedly on instruction from Police Minister Mchunu and associates.
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has since filed a formal complaint with Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka, calling the task team’s disbandment “a deliberate obstruction of justice.”
GOOD party secretary-general Brett Herron echoed those concerns, calling on the President to urgently authorise a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe: “There are no other State agencies with the credibility and integrity to probe these explosive allegations.”
Herron said the Independent Police Investigative Directorate’s mandate is too narrow, and a judicial commission would likely get bogged down in political negotiations. “What South Africa needs now is a credible, constitutionally grounded, and independent investigation. The SIU has the legal mandate and urgency required.”
Herron also raised concerns about the safety of Mkhwanazi himself, who appeared in full uniform at the press briefing. “He needs full protection. The public appearances of key whistle-blowers must be managed to ensure their safety.”
Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa, speaking from Rio de Janeiro where he is attending the BRICS Leaders’ Summit, broke his silence late on Monday night. “This is a matter of grave national security concern. The integrity of our security services must be safeguarded, and the rule of law must prevail,” he said.
Ramaphosa promised the matter would receive “the highest priority” on his return, but stopped short of announcing any concrete steps or timelines for action.
While political parties prepare for possible debate, observers warn that the growing scandal may test Parliament’s institutional will and capacity to hold the executive accountable.
“The Speaker now faces a defining moment,” said a constitutional law expert who asked not to be named. “What Parliament does next—whether it takes swift action or delays—will determine whether these allegations are addressed or quietly buried.”
As Parliament, Chapter 9 institutions, and the public await Ramaphosa’s next move, the chorus of voices demanding urgent intervention is only growing louder.
