Cape town: The chairpersons of Parliament’s Justice and Police committees have welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

According to South African Government News Agency, the provincial commissioner made several allegations about an alleged criminal syndicate that has infiltrated law enforcement and intelligence services. The allegations also implicate members of the judiciary, prosecutors, politicians, and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. In response to the seriousness of these claims, the Police Minister has been placed on leave of absence by the President.

Justice and Constitutional Development Committee chairperson, Xola Nqola, emphasized the importance of the integrity of the National Prosecuting Authority, the Judiciary, and the Magistracy, describing them as essential components of the criminal justice system and the rule of law. Nqola stated that these institutions are the guardians of justice and accountability and that public confidence in them must be maintained.

Police Portfolio Committee chairperson, Ian Cameron, expressed that the commission’s establishment will enable efforts to eliminate corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS). He stressed the need for the commission to not only serve as a symbolic gesture but also to drive substantial reform and rejuvenation of the criminal justice system.

Last week, National Assembly Speaker, Thoko Didiza, tasked the Justice, Police, and Intelligence Committees with considering Mkhwanazi’s allegations. The committees are expected to convene this week to deliberate on the way forward and subsequently report back to Speaker Didiza.