The Foundation for Rights of Expression and Equality (Free SA) urges all South Africans to seize the rare and critical opportunity to participate in Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee inquiry into the damning allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Lt Gen Mkhwanazi’s testimony on 6 July 2025 laid bare a deeply troubling picture of political interference in policing, systemic corruption, and links between law enforcement and criminal syndicates. These revelations strike at the heart of South Africa’s democracy, justice system, and public safety.
Parliament has invited public submissions on the matter until 17 October 2025, and Free SA believes this moment could be a turning point, if the people make their voices heard.
“South Africans are routinely shut out of critical decisions that shape law enforcement and justice in this country,” said Reuben Coetzer, spokesperson for Free SA. “This inquiry must be driven by the truth, not by political convenience. That means the public must play an active role, especially those who have witnessed or experienced corruption, interference, or incompetence firsthand.”
The allegations under investigation include:
- Political manipulation of crime intelligence operations;
- Collusion between senior officials, law enforcement, and drug cartels;
- The collapse of essential crime-fighting units like the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT);
- The disappearance of more than 100 case dockets linked to political violence.
These are not abstract failures, they are breaches of public trust that cost lives, erode democracy, and embolden criminality.
Free SA is calling for:
- A transparent, independent, and inclusive inquiry free from political pressure;
- Immediate protection for whistleblowers and witnesses, many of whom are at risk;
- Real accountability, including the prosecution of those found guilty of corruption or obstruction of justice;
- Urgent structural reforms to ensure a depoliticised and effective police service.
“Where the state fails, civil society has no other choice but to step in,” added Coetzer. “This inquiry is a test of whether Parliament truly respects the role of public participation, or whether it merely pays lip service to it. Free SA will be watching closely, and we urge every South African to speak up.”
A website dedicated to these submissions has been created by Free SA, and those who want their voices to be heard can visitor campaign page here.