Lonwabo Mtyeku | Image Credit:Sourced
Cape Town — Former South African Police Service (SAPS) national commissioner Lieutenant-General Khomotso Phahlane has returned to the national spotlight after appearing before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating alleged corruption and misconduct within the criminal justice system.
Phahlane gave evidence on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, becoming one of the first high-profile witnesses to testify in the committee’s renewed round of hearings, which are aimed at probing claims of institutional interference, financial irregularities and abuse of authority within SAPS.
Origins of the Parliamentary Probe
The Ad Hoc Committee was formed in response to serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who alleged that senior law-enforcement figures were involved in corruption networks and improper interference in policing and prosecutorial processes.
After concluding an initial phase of hearings in 2025, Parliament granted the committee a final extension to complete its work by 20 February 2026, allowing for further oral submissions from key individuals.
R24 Million Procurement Questions
Central to Phahlane’s appearance are allegations linked to procurement decisions and expenditure estimated at approximately R24 million. These matters previously formed part of internal disciplinary proceedings which culminated in his dismissal from SAPS in August 2020.
The allegations relate to questionable procurement approvals and contracts awarded during his tenure as acting national commissioner. Investigators had at the time classified some of these expenditures as irregular and potentially wasteful.
Phahlane has consistently rejected the allegations, maintaining that the procurement processes were lawful and taken to prevent greater financial losses. He also continues to challenge the legality of the 2017 directive that required him to step aside, arguing that the instruction was procedurally flawed.
Challenging His Dismissal
In his submissions to the committee, Phahlane reiterated his position that his removal from office was unlawful and that due process had not been followed. He further contends that he acted within the framework of the Public Finance Management Act, insisting that he did not personally benefit from the transactions in question.
He has also alleged that a network of private individuals and investigators orchestrated a campaign of false accusations designed to damage his reputation and career.
More High-Profile Testimony Expected
Phahlane is among a number of senior figures scheduled to appear before the committee in the coming weeks. Other witnesses include senior SAPS officials, former oversight body leaders, forensic investigators and business figures whose names have been linked to long-standing allegations of corruption, political interference and organised criminal influence.
Several witnesses have raised security concerns, though the committee has stressed the importance of in-person testimony to preserve the credibility and transparency of the proceedings.
National Interest and Accountability
The hearings have reignited public debate around governance, accountability and political influence within the country’s policing structures. Members of Parliament have emphasised that the inquiry seeks to uncover systemic weaknesses and propose reforms that will strengthen law-enforcement independence and restore public confidence.
What Comes Next
The committee will continue hearing testimony until February, after which it will compile a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations to be presented to the National Assembly. These outcomes are expected to play a role in shaping future reforms to SAPS governance, procurement controls and anti-corruption mechanisms.
