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Khomotso Phahlane returns as Parliament’s corruption inquiry resumes
Why Khomotso Phahlane’s return to Parliament matters now
After months of silence, one of South Africa’s most closely watched parliamentary inquiries is back in session, and all eyes are on former national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane. His appearance before Parliament’s ad hoc committee this week is expected to be one of the most consequential moments in a process that has already rattled the country’s criminal justice system.
For many South Africans, this hearing is not just about one man. It is about whether powerful figures are finally being forced to account for years of allegations around corruption, political interference, and the weakening of oversight within policing.
A committee born out of explosive claims
The ad hoc committee, established by the Parliament of South Africa in 2025, was formed after startling accusations from KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. His claims painted a picture of senior officials manipulating investigations and undermining the justice system for personal and political gain.
Since then, the hearings have exposed deep fractures within law enforcement. Testimony has pointed to disputed disciplinary actions, strained relations between oversight bodies, and a culture that critics argue allowed accountability to erode.
What Phahlane is expected to address
Phahlane’s testimony is expected to focus on allegations raised by Cedrick Nkabinde, the chief of staff to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. These claims include alleged interference involving the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, its former head Robert McBride, and forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan.
Phahlane, who led the South African Police Service from October 2015 until his suspension in June 2017, has long remained a central figure in debates about policing integrity. Even years after leaving office, his name continues to surface whenever discussions turn to political pressure and controversial procurement decisions within the police.
A wider cast and rising tensions
Phahlane is not the only high-profile witness scheduled to appear. The committee is also set to hear from Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo, suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police chief Julius Mkhwanazi, businessman Brown Mogotsi, and McBride himself.
Security concerns have added another layer of tension. Mogotsi and O’Sullivan have both raised fears for their safety, with O’Sullivan formally requesting to testify virtually. This has fuelled public discussion online, with many South Africans questioning how witnesses can feel unsafe while participating in a parliamentary process meant to uphold transparency.
Why the public is paying attention again
The hearings resume after a long recess that followed dramatic testimony in November by businessman Vusimuzi Matlala, also known as Cat Matlala. His appearance intensified scrutiny of the inquiry and reignited public interest, particularly on social media, where clips and commentary spread rapidly.
For a country grappling with crime and declining trust in institutions, the return of these hearings feels significant. Phahlane’s appearance offers a chance to confront unresolved questions from his tenure, including his dismissal from the police service in August 2020 over a controversial 2014 contract for panoramic cameras while he headed forensic services, a decision he continues to challenge in court.
A moment that could shape the narrative
Whether this phase of the inquiry delivers real accountability remains to be seen. What is clear is that Phahlane’s testimony lands at a moment when South Africans are demanding more than just headlines. They want clarity, consequences, and a justice system that works without fear or favour.
For now, the committee resumes under intense public scrutiny, with expectations high that this chapter will shed light on how power was used, and misused, at the very top of policing.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Inside Politic
