President Cyril Ramaphosa submitted written responses to Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on Tuesday. The committee probes serious allegations of corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system.

The Presidency confirmed the submission. It follows committee demands for accountability and shows Ramaphosa’s support for parliamentary oversight.

Ramaphosa Demonstrates Support for Parliamentary Process

President Cyril Ramaphosa provided the written answers in line with a prior agreement with the committee. He did not appear in person, despite earlier calls from members who argued against special treatment.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the step ensures the committee gets all necessary information. “President Ramaphosa’s submission demonstrates his support for the parliamentary process,” Magwenya added, according to the official Presidency statement released on 17 March 2026.

The president missed the initial Monday deadline and received an extension to Tuesday. He answered more than 100 questions sent last month.

Background to Mkhwanazi Allegations and Committee Inquiry

Parliament formed the Ad Hoc Committee after Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, made explosive claims in July 2025. He alleged political interference and corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The probe focuses on alleged shielding of criminal syndicates. It also examines the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team, which Ramaphosa established in 2018 via an inter-ministerial committee.

Suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu told the committee he issued the disbandment letter without consulting Ramaphosa. He based the decision on a police research study that recommended consolidating violent crime investigations.

Testimonies Reveal Consultation Gaps

National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola appeared before the committee on Tuesday. He confirmed Mchunu never consulted him properly on the immediate disbandment.

“We had not yet agreed. I said ‘gradual’; the minister said ‘immediate’,” Masemola stated during testimony. He also noted he was with the minister most of that week in December 2024.

Masemola scrapped a controversial R360 million SAPS healthcare contract with Medicare24 in April 2025 after service complaints. The task team had reportedly investigated businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, linked to the so-called “Big Five” cartel.

Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili earlier testified she received the disbandment directive via WhatsApp while on leave. Mchunu and Masemola had attended events together shortly before, with no prior mention of the change.

Mkhwanazi is expected to return to the committee soon to address issues from his original briefing and the task team disbandment.

Committee Members Push for Full Accountability

Some members insisted Ramaphosa appear in person for direct questioning. They viewed written responses as insufficient for full accountability on national security matters.

The committee continues its work and aims to complete the inquiry by the end of March 2026. It seeks to clarify the extent of alleged corruption and interference in SAPS operations.