Parliament in Turmoil: Nkabinde Faces Perjury Charges from EFF and MK

Parliament in Turmoil: Nkabinde Faces Perjury Charges from EFF and MK

A storm is brewing in Parliament after Cedrick Nkabinde was accused of giving false evidence under oath, with both the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the MK Party moving to hold him criminally accountable.

The allegations stem from Nkabinde’s testimony before the ad hoc committee probing claims made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi earlier this year. Both opposition parties claim that Nkabinde misled lawmakers about when he first obtained contact details for Brown Mogotsi, a central figure in alleged corruption involving senior SAPS leadership and the Police Minister.

EFF Opens Criminal Case

On Thursday, November 13, 2025, the EFF registered a criminal case against Nkabinde at Cape Town Central police station under CAS 736/11/2025. The party says Nkabinde told Parliament he received Mogotsi’s number from the Minister around October or November 2024, yet evidence indicates he had confirmed the contact as early as September 30, 2024.

EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo described Nkabinde’s actions as a deliberate attempt to frustrate Parliament’s constitutional mandate and shield politically sensitive individuals.

“Perjury is a criminal offence, and no individual, regardless of political connection, will be allowed to misuse parliamentary platforms to hide the truth,” Thambo said.

The party insisted the case is not political theatre but a necessary measure to defend Parliament’s integrity and confront corruption within policing and justice structures.

“Those who come before Parliament must understand that honesty is not optional; it is a constitutional and moral obligation,” Thambo added.

Social media quickly reacted to the announcement, with many South Africans praising the EFF for pursuing accountability, while others questioned whether political motivations were driving the move.

MK Party Flags Contradictory Testimony

Meanwhile, the MK Party also slammed Nkabinde for providing inconsistent evidence. According to MK spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela, Nkabinde claimed in his affidavit that he first knew Mogotsi only after the Minister instructed him to arrange a meeting in November 2024. Yet, in the same statement, he admitted being contacted by Mkhwanazi in September 2024 and confirmed knowing Mogotsi.

“These contradictory statements cannot coexist,” Ndhlela said, adding that the MK Party will also lay perjury charges.

The party emphasised its commitment to transparency and accountability, urging the ad hoc committee to treat the inconsistencies seriously.

High-Stakes Accountability

The Nkabinde case highlights growing tensions over oversight, corruption, and political accountability in South Africa. With both EFF and MK taking legal action, Parliament is under pressure to ensure that witnesses cannot manipulate investigations or mislead lawmakers.

Political analysts note that the case could set an important precedent: it signals that individuals cannot escape consequences simply because they occupy politically sensitive positions or are close to senior officials.

“The investigation and any subsequent prosecutions will be closely watched,” said a parliamentary observer. “It’s about restoring public trust in the system and ensuring that the oath of office carries real weight.”

As the case unfolds, the spotlight remains firmly on Nkabinde, the ad hoc committee, and the broader question of integrity in South Africa’s policing and political institutions.

{Source: IOL}

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