The Ad Hoc committee investigating allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption, and political interference in the criminal justice system is meeting today to consider its interim report on progress made so far.
The sitting is expected to focus on updates regarding outstanding consultations and on finalising the committee’s proposed programme for the coming months.
The committee last met on Thursday, 6 November 2025, when Chairperson Bheki Lekganyane confirmed that the next session would include a review of the interim report and planning discussions for upcoming witness appearances.
The inquiry, established earlier this year by the National Assembly, has been tasked with investigating claims of corruption and interference affecting key law enforcement bodies, including the police, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).
During last week’s hearings, committee members questioned senior officials over overlapping functions within the criminal justice sector. Discussions also touched on how agencies such as the NPA and IDAC manage both investigative and prosecutorial roles.
Lekganyane asked whether it was appropriate for IDAC to investigate and prosecute simultaneously, suggesting the functions should be separated to ensure transparency and accountability.
Former senior prosecutor Andrea Johnson told the committee that while IDAC currently investigates and prosecutes corruption-related offences, it does not convict suspects, adding that the arrangement is lawful under its current mandate.
However, evidence leader Norman Arendse SC raised concerns about claims that sensitive information had been leaked from IDAC and described allegations of infiltration within law enforcement as “more than cause for concern.”
The committee’s current work builds on months of hearings that have exposed alleged links between senior police officials, politicians, and criminal networks.
Evidence presented by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi earlier this year prompted renewed scrutiny of how political interference and corruption have affected ongoing criminal investigations.
Today’s meeting is expected to assess the committee’s progress in gathering testimonies and preparing recommendations for Parliament.
Members are also scheduled to deliberate on timelines for forthcoming witness appearances, including National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi, who is expected to testify in the next session.
Watch the live stream of the Ad Hoc committee meeting below.
