Parliament Corruption Inquiry Resumes As Former Police Chief Khomotso Phahlane Set To Testify

Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating allegations of corruption and interference in the justice system is set to resume its hearings on Wednesday, with former national police commissioner Lieutenant-General Khomotso Phahlane expected to take the stand.

Phahlane’s appearance is widely seen as a pivotal moment in the inquiry, which is examining claims that senior figures within law enforcement and the criminal justice system abused their authority to influence investigations and shield political and personal interests.

The committee will also consider a request from forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan, who has asked to testify virtually, citing security concerns.

Phahlane testimony central to Parliament corruption probe

Phahlane is expected to respond to allegations made by Cedrick Nkabinde, chief of staff to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. These claims include assertions of interference involving the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), its former head Robert McBride, and O’Sullivan.

The ad hoc committee was established in 2025 following explosive accusations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who alleged corruption, political manipulation and systematic interference within the criminal justice system.

Since its formation, the inquiry has heard evidence pointing to deep-rooted institutional divisions, disputed disciplinary processes and decisions that critics argue eroded accountability within policing structures.

Key witnesses and security concerns as hearings continue

Alongside Phahlane, several high-profile figures are scheduled to give oral evidence during this phase of the hearings.

These include Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department chief Julius Mkhwanazi, McBride, businessman Brown Mogotsi and O’Sullivan.

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The committee has been informed that Mogotsi and O’Sullivan have both raised concerns about their personal safety. O’Sullivan has formally requested permission to appear virtually before the committee.

The hearings resume after a prolonged recess that followed dramatic testimony in November by tycoon and attempted murder accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, which sharply intensified public and media scrutiny of the process.

Phahlane’s tenure and past controversies under the spotlight

Phahlane served as national police commissioner from October 2015 until his suspension in June 2017.

Despite being removed from office nearly a decade ago, he has remained a prominent figure in several high-profile matters linked to allegations of SAPS corruption and political interference.

He was dismissed from the South African Police Service in August 2020 over a contentious 2014 contract for panoramic cameras awarded during his time as head of forensic services. Phahlane has continued to challenge that decision through the courts.

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