DEMOCRATIC Alliance Member of Parliament (MP), Diane Kohler-Barnard has been recused from the Ad Hoc Committee that was set up to investigate allegations around national security and disbandment of the Police Killings Task Team.
This follows Kohler-Barnard’s alleged involvement having had access to crime intelligence information she was not supposed to, according to KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who is giving testimony in Parliament.
Mkhwanazi is appearing before the Ad Hoc Committee, that was established to assess allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption, and political interference within the criminal justice system.
On July 6, in Durban, during media briefing Mkhwanazi made these allegations.
The KZN Commissioner Mkhwanazi, also implicated National Coloured Congress (NCC) leader, Fadiel Adams at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that he and Kohler-Barnard had access to crime intelligence information they weren’t supposed to.
The KZN Police boss also made an allegation that a wall was built around the homestead in KZN of the late and former Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa, by the police secret service fund.
“The country will burn if we invite Intelligence Services, who are busy with other investigations, to appear before Parliament and reveal more information. Rather it should be behind the camera,” reasoned Mkhwanazi, who also implicated MK Party MP Brian Molefe in the Eskom looting.
SC and evidence leader Norman Arendse was also told to toe- the line in relation on how he posed questions, since this was a testimony but not a court appearance.
On relationship between the ‘suspended’ Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and controversial North West province Brown Mogotsi, the Commissioner remarked ‘its very worrying because this Mogotsi seemed to know too much’ also noting the minister seemed to have signed-off a letter that he did not author nor understand in relation to the disbandment of the PKTT.
He also said President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa told media in Kimberley that the ‘PKTT is doing a good job’ thus meaning the ‘President knew nothing about the discontinuation of the task team’ continued Mkhwanazi.
The Ad Hoc committee members dropped their ‘jaws’ when Mkhwanazi told some of them are implicated and their mobile phones were tapped.
He also called for the lifestyle audit on Police management and that vetting should also be effected, also pointing out to de-centralise the police powers since the legislation is only vested in National Police Commissioner.
Lt. Mkhwanazi’s testimony continues today.
Image (KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who is giving testimony in Parliament).
