Ad Hoc Committee Denies Senzo Mchunu Was Cleared Amid Ongoing Police Investigation
The parliamentary committee investigating explosive allegations involving suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has firmly rejected widespread claims that it has cleared him or any other individuals implicated in the matter.
Committee Chairperson Soviet Lekganyane has dismissed reports circulating across several media platforms, describing them as misleading and premature. He stressed that the committee has not reached any final conclusions and that its investigation remains underway.
His statement comes amid growing public interest in the high profile inquiry launched after serious allegations were made by South African Police Service KwaZulu Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on 6 July 2025.
The allegations triggered the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee tasked with examining the claims and determining whether further action is warranted.
Lekganyane said reports suggesting the committee had already “exonerated” or “cleared” Mchunu and others were inaccurate and did not reflect the current status of its work.
He emphasised that the committee has only begun deliberating on a draft preliminary report and that no final findings have been adopted.
“The committee has not reached any final conclusion,” Lekganyane said, warning that speculation based on incomplete information risks misleading the public.
During its meeting on Tuesday, committee members reviewed the second draft of the preliminary report, which Lekganyane said had been substantially strengthened through contributions from members.
He added that a third draft is expected to be ready for further deliberations next week, indicating that the process is still evolving.
According to Lekganyane, the committee will not adopt its report until at least two weeks after it has been shared with all affected parties, ensuring that those named are given an opportunity to respond before any conclusions are finalised.
He criticised public commentary based on the draft report, saying it amounted to “putting the cart before the horse”.
“The media commentary is akin to putting the cart before the horse based on a draft preliminary report that is subject to deliberations,” Lekganyane said.
He explained that although committee members broadly agree on much of the report’s contents, several findings and recommendations remain under discussion and will still need to be incorporated before the report is ready for adoption.
The Chairperson also appealed to South Africans to remain patient and allow Parliament to complete its work without outside pressure or speculation.
He said the committee remains committed to protecting the integrity of South Africa’s criminal justice system through thorough and independent parliamentary oversight.
Once the committee has completed its investigation, National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza will formally communicate the outcome to the public.
Until then, Lekganyane urged the public to avoid drawing conclusions from unconfirmed reports.
“We urge the public to trust the process and their elected representatives to make determinations that are evidence based, impartial and judicious,” he said.
The committee’s findings are expected to attract significant national attention, as they could shape the next phase of one of South Africa’s most closely watched political and policing investigations.
