CAPE TOWN - The Democratic Alliance has raised concerns about the potential influence of political fixer Brown Mogotsi over Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
The party has argued that the absence of direct communication between Mchunu and businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala does not remove questions about the minister’s accessibility through an intermediary.
In its submission on the Ad Hoc Committee’s draft report, the DA says the relationship between Mchunu and Mogotsi remains a matter of concern, particularly where an intermediary may have been able to facilitate access to the minister.
The committee has again approached the office of National Assembly Speaker seeking an extension. It was due to submit its report on Friday, 11 September.
READ | Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee on SAPS requests extension
DA committee member Damian Klopper says the committee is not making a finding that a criminal offence was committed, but has instead identified a potential risk arising from the relationships and access revealed during its deliberations.
The DA’s position was opposed by ANC members of the committee, who argued that there is no evidence directly linking Mchunu to Matlala.
ANC committee member Xola Nqola said the committee had not received testimony or other evidence establishing a direct connection between the minister and Matlala.
“Chair, we understand the thinking and concern from Honourable Klopper or the DA, but our concern is that we don’t really have evidence before us that links Minister Mchunu to Mr Matlala,” Nqola said.
Nqola said the ANC could not accept the DA’s paragraph in its current form, although he indicated that the wording could be reconsidered if it was amended to better reflect the evidence before the committee.
The DA has agreed to reconsider the paragraph and return with a response.
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