Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing allegations raised by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is seeking a further extension to complete its work, citing delays in the availability of evidence transcripts.
The committee, which has already been granted four extensions, was initially expected to conclude its work by Thursday. During a meeting on Tuesday, members discussed administrative matters, including a draft report on progress made thus far.
Evidence leader Norman Arendse told the committee that delays in receiving transcripts had slowed the process, although most of the documentation has now been compiled.
“We would have a draft report ready in a week’s time, and I see the transcripts have been coming in thick and fast. It has now reached about 90%, and we expect the remainder by the end of the week,” said Arendse.
Meanwhile, the committee is also grappling with a request from Sarah-Jane Trent, a former assistant to forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan, to have her testimony declared invalid.
Trent, who became emotional during her appearance, claims she was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder at the time of her testimony. Her affidavit was previously discussed during a virtual committee meeting.
However, African National Congress MP Khusela Sangaoni said there are no provisions in the National Assembly rules to strike testimony from the record once it has been presented.
Sangaoni questioned Trent’s claims, saying it was “disingenuous” to suggest she had been coerced into continuing her testimony, noting that concerns about her wellbeing had been raised during proceedings but she chose to proceed.
She proposed that Trent’s latest affidavit instead be incorporated into her original statement for consideration.
Patriotic Alliance MP Ashley Sauls supported this view but raised additional concerns contained in Trent’s affidavit, including allegations that she was “manipulated” by ActionSA MP Dereleen James during a break in proceedings.
Sauls said the committee could only account for what transpired during formal sittings, adding that the official record would reflect that the witness was not compelled to continue.
James confirmed that a conversation took place, stating that Trent had expressed nervousness and that she had encouraged her to remain calm. She denied any allegations of intimidation or manipulation.
In a separate development, legal representatives for Matlala have written to the committee regarding allegations made against him during the inquiry. They have requested access to evidence presented, including text messages referenced in testimony.
Committee members maintained that they were merely examining evidence put forward by witnesses as part of their mandate.
The committee is expected to submit a draft report once outstanding transcripts are finalised.