MPs urged not to leak draft report in Mkhwanazi inquiry

Members of Parliament serving on the Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations involving KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi have been urged not to leak the draft report, which will be distributed to them no later than Monday.

The committee agreed on Friday that the report, containing draft findings, recommendations and evidence, would be circulated so MPs could review it before formal consideration.

Committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane said the draft would shape their work and show readiness as they move toward concluding their mandate. He described it as the draft final report that will come before the committee for consideration before being presented to Parliament.

EFF MP Leigh Ann Mathys raised concerns about a possible leak, warning that the report could end up on social media and be mistaken for a final report. She called for maximum discipline among committee members.

Lekganyane shared concerns about a leak, saying it would be unimaginable for the report to be discussed publicly before being considered by the committee. He noted that if it leaks, they would have moved the cart before the horse. After discussion, it was agreed that the report would be circulated in principle, and the caution about leaks was welcomed.

Evidence leader Norman Arendse said substantial work had been done on an overview report on evidence. He said they aim to finalise by Friday, 22 May, given the extended deadline of 12 June. He proposed that the committee could reconvene on 29 May to discuss issues arising from the draft report.

The committee was granted an extension until 12 June after it could not conclude its work by the end of April.

The committee also agreed to view a classified report from the Inspector General of Intelligence on the purchasing of Crime Intelligence properties and the vetting of certain senior police officials. The report has been sent to the Standing Committee on Intelligence in line with parliamentary protocols.

Lekganyane said the committee would follow protocol with the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, which must ensure compliance.