Former acting national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane has called on Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating alleged police corruption to allow sufficient time for him to properly respond to the issues raised in his affidavit, warning that a rushed process would undermine justice.
Phahlane told the committee that his affidavit was prepared following extensive consultation and should be considered in its entirety. He also expressed concern that he was never afforded the opportunity to testify before the Zondo Commission, despite submitting an affidavit on matters he believes remain highly relevant.
“I would appreciate it if we do not rush through the affidavit but rather do justice to the issues that have been raised. There are a number of matters that General Mkhwanazi himself has spoken to that I would like to address,” Phahlane said.
Appearing before the committee, Phahlane reiterated his claim that his 2020 dismissal, after spending three years on suspension, was unlawful. The committee is probing allegations of political interference in the justice system.
He claimed he was used as a “guinea pig” in the implementation of the step-aside policy under former police minister Fikile Mbalula. Phahlane added that his removal from office did not follow proper procedure and is currently the subject of legal action before the courts and the Public Protector.
“You would never suspend someone verbally without documentation. If I were to be suspended or removed from office, it would be done by the president, who appointed me in the first place. To date, I do not have a letter signed by the president stating that I am being removed,” he said.
The ad hoc committee is operating under its second and final extension, which is set to expire on 20 February.
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