Former Police Commissioner Phahlane Testifies Before Parliament on Corruption and Interference Claims

Phahlane Faces Parliamentary Scrutiny

Lieutenant-General Khomotso Phahlane, former Acting National Police Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), appeared before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, to provide testimony regarding widespread allegations of corruption, political interference, and criminal infiltration within the country's policing and justice systems. The hearings, taking place in Cape Town, mark a critical phase in the committee's investigation.

Phahlane, who served as acting commissioner from October 2015 to June 2017, is expected to address a range of accusations that have long plagued his tenure and subsequent dismissal.

Allegations and Phahlane's Defense

During his testimony, Phahlane confronted claims of interference involving the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), its former head Robert McBride, and forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan. These allegations were initially raised by Cedrick Nkabinde, chief of staff to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

A central point of contention for Phahlane is his suspension in June 2017 by then-Police Minister Fikile Mbalula, which he contends was unlawful. Phahlane asserted that only the President, who appointed him, had the legal authority to remove him from office, stating, 'I was not removed by the President of the Republic of South Africa as the Constitution and the Police Act dictate. I was made to step aside by the minister of police, then no law provides for such.' He also reiterated that his 2020 dismissal from the police service was unlawful and is challenging it in court.

The former commissioner has been embroiled in various corruption cases, including a controversial 2014 contract for panoramic cameras while he headed forensic services, which led to his dismissal in August 2020. He also faces charges related to an alleged 'blue lights' tender for police vehicles in Gauteng, valued between R84 million and R191 million, which allegedly bypassed proper procurement processes. Phahlane has consistently maintained that the fraud and corruption charges against him constitute a 'witch-hunt' and has sought opportunities to clear his name.

Context of the Parliamentary Inquiry

The Ad Hoc Committee was established in 2025 following 'explosive allegations' made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Mkhwanazi accused senior officials within law enforcement and the justice system of corruption, political manipulation, and undermining the criminal justice system. The committee's mandate is to investigate these claims and address 'deep institutional fault lines' within policing.

Phahlane's testimony also touched upon broader issues of political interference within the SAPS, claiming that such interference 'spiked after the African National Congress (ANC) held its elective conference in 2007.'

Looking Ahead

The committee's hearings are scheduled to continue until February 20, 2026, with other high-profile individuals expected to testify. These include Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department chief Julius Mkhwanazi, and former IPID head Robert McBride. Forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan, also implicated in some allegations, has requested to appear virtually due to security concerns. The committee aims to complete all witness testimony by early February to allow for the drafting and adoption of its final report before its mandate expires.