Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing allegations raised by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is divided over whether President Cyril Ramaphosa should appear before it in person or respond in writing.

The disagreement played out during a committee meeting where MPs revisited how the President’s input should be handled. Some members argued written answers would be enough, while others pushed for an in-person appearance.

Show Up or Submit Answers?

The committee has been hearing evidence linked to policing and law enforcement concerns. As the process continues, MPs have debated whether the witness list should be expanded, with arguments that the list was not formally closed and that new testimony can change who needs to be questioned.

One proposal on the table is for the committee to consider calling Ramaphosa along with other senior figures connected to policing oversight structures. The counter-argument raised is that a sitting President should not be treated the same as other ad hoc witnesses and that the committee should follow an approach that respects the office while still securing accountability.

Pressure Builds as Names are Added

The divisions are not limited to the President. MPs have also clashed over proposals to call additional political and policing figures. That includes calls for senior party officials and Crime Intelligence leadership to appear, as well as concerns about claims made during the process and whether they are appropriate for the committee’s work.

Committee Moves to Subpoena Witnesses

While MPs remain split on Ramaphosa, the committee has taken firm steps on other witnesses.

It resolved to subpoena forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan and businessman Brown Mogotsi to appear in person. This follows concerns raised about whether the committee properly dealt with security-related reasons given for not attending physically.

Parliament’s leadership has indicated the committee must show it has engaged those concerns properly. Parliament’s security structures have also told MPs that security measures are in place for witnesses who appear.

Tight Deadline, Packed Week

The ad hoc committee is working to a 20 February deadline. More witnesses are scheduled to appear this week, including SAPS officers, a former acting national police commissioner and some witnesses who have requested anonymity.

For now, the big question remains unresolved: will the committee insist on Ramaphosa taking the hot seat or settle for written replies.