MPs Confront Mary de Haas As She Refuses To Reveal Confidential Sources In Police Corruption Inquiry

Members of Parliament engaged in a tense exchange with academic Mary de Haas on Tuesday after she declined to disclose the identities of her confidential sources—despite being offered a closed session.

The confrontation unfolded during an ad hoc committee hearing probing allegations of police corruption.

De Haas, affiliated with the University of KwaZulu-Natal, shared information she had obtained through unnamed informants. However, her refusal to reveal their identities quickly escalated tensions among committee members.

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Her testimony follows claims from earlier witnesses suggesting she had influenced Minister Senzo Mchunu’s decision to dissolve the political killing task team (PKTT).

In her evidence, De Haas alleged that the PKTT had overstepped its mandate, accusing the unit of abusing its authority and fabricating evidence. She insisted that parts of her information originated from sensitive intelligence sources whose names she could not disclose.

Source Protection By Mary de Haas at Centre of Heated Exchange

De Haas defended her stance by arguing that the Madlanga Commission was better equipped to examine the intelligence-related material due to its expertise—expertise she said Parliament does not possess.

She reinforced her position with a blunt warning about the risks involved: “I cannot reveal a source of somebody who might get killed for telling me.”

Her refusal triggered strong reactions from several MPs, who accused her of obstructing the committee and undermining Parliament’s authority.

MK Party MP Sibonelo Nomvalo expressed his frustration, saying: “What we have noted here is the highest level of arrogance. Arrogance of high note, and there’s an attempt to reduce the credibility of this committee as we’re a subordinate of a certain commission of inquiry.”

Committee Members Divided Over Need for Source Disclosure

Not all MPs shared the same view. ActionSA MP Dereleen James questioned the necessity of revealing source identities, stating she did not see what value they would add to the inquiry.

James stressed she simply wanted clarity on De Haas’s reasons for calling for the PKTT’s disbandment.

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