Parliament's ad hoc committee investigating Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's allegations has found no evidence linking suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu to Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala, according to its chairperson, Soviet Lekganyane.

Lekganyane said there was "not sufficient evidence to justify the existence of such a link". The draft report, which runs to nearly 800 pages, goes to implicated individuals for right of reply before it is due at the National Assembly by the end of October.

What the committee found

Lekganyane said the committee must treat Mchunu and Matlala separately because there was "not sufficient evidence to justify the existence of such a link". Where suspicions remain about Matlala and the South African Police Service, the committee may recommend that the national police commissioner investigate.

He also said the committee cannot recommend investigating someone, or question their fitness for public office, without reasonable findings. The committee declined to recommend investigations where evidence was lacking.

The inquiry follows allegations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of an indirect financial and political link between Matlala and Mchunu through Brown Mogotsi. Mchunu denied receiving money from Matlala but acknowledged Mogotsi as a comrade.

Where the parties differ

ANC MP Mdumiseni Ntuli said the evidence does not support the claim of a Matlala-Mchunu relationship, and does not link the minister to the alleged funding of the 8 January event.

The EFF argued that interactions between Mchunu, Mogotsi and Matlala amounted to "improper and irregular influence" and asked that the matter be referred to the Public Protector, the Hawks and Parliament's ethics committee. The MK Party said Mchunu gave Mogotsi "extraordinary access and influence" without a satisfactory explanation and called for deeper scrutiny, including a criminal investigation.

The ANC dismissed the MK Party's position, arguing the explanation did not prove "extraordinary influence". The DA and the PA agreed that Mogotsi had extraordinary access to the minister.

What happens next

The draft report goes to implicated individuals for right of reply. The final report is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly by the end of October, according to published coverage. Public hearings began on 7 October 2025, with Mkhwanazi as the first witness.

Lekganyane called the process "a marathon". DA MP Damien Klopper said he hoped the report "will make a difference in the lives of South Africans".