The Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi resumed hearings this week following the festive season recess, with testimony shedding further light on deep-rooted challenges within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
This week, the committee heard evidence from SAPS Head of Crime Intelligence Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) head Robert McBride, and suspended Ekurhuleni Deputy Police Commissioner Julius Mkwanazi. Their testimony focused on governance failures, political interference, and alleged misconduct within senior police structures.
Speaking to VOC News, specialised security and investigations expert Mike Bolhuis unpacked key developments and the broader implications of the hearings. Commenting on McBride’s appearance, Bolhuis was critical of his initial approach.
“I expected the arrogance and the same distance we’ve seen before. There’s an extreme arrogance,” Bolhuis said. He noted, however, that McBride’s tone shifted as questioning progressed. “At some stage, it changed, and it became better.”
Bolhuis said his main concern lies in McBride’s admission that he was aware of systemic problems during his tenure. “What concerns me is that McBride knew about these problems all along. So, the question is: if you know something is wrong, what do you do about it?” he asked.
According to Bolhuis, the hearings highlight long-standing issues of accountability and a failure to act decisively against corruption. He warned that without meaningful consequences for those implicated, public trust in law enforcement will continue to erode.
“The problem is not a lack of information,” Bolhuis said. “It’s a lack of action, leadership, and the political will to clean up the system.”
As hearings continue, the committee is expected to assess whether institutional reforms and criminal investigations are necessary to address the allegations. The outcome could prove pivotal for the future credibility of SAPS and its oversight structures.
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
Photo: Screenshot
