McKenzie Rejects Malema’s Call to Testify Before Parliamentary Inquiry
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Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader and Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has rejected calls by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema for him to appear before Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing allegations of political interference in policing.
Speaking at the Robben Island Former Political Prisoners Union gathering on Saturday, McKenzie dismissed Malema’s demand as political grandstanding.
“I will not go because he’s the one saying I should go. I don’t listen to Julius Malema,” McKenzie said.
“I don’t want Julius to get credit that he brought me there. He must forget about mentioning the PA. He can go to the dying party of his that’s in ICU. I don’t take instructions from him.”
Explosive Inquiry Into Police Interference
Parliament’s ad hoc committee is investigating allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who claims there has been political interference in police operations and that some officials are linked to criminal syndicates.
During a virtual sitting on Friday, parties suggested additional witnesses. The EFF submitted over 20 names, including McKenzie, President Cyril Ramaphosa, and several senior police and intelligence figures.
Malema argued that McKenzie had previously said he possessed information on criminal syndicates and therefore should testify:
“Anyone who claims to have information about which police officers or generals are involved in criminal networks must be called to testify so the claims can be tested,” Malema told the committee.
McKenzie’s Counteroffer
While refusing to personally appear at Malema’s behest, McKenzie said the Patriotic Alliance spokesperson would provide a statement to Parliament instead.
“What I will say is, the mouthpiece, the spokesperson of the PA, will go and give a statement, because I was speaking on behalf of the Patriotic Alliance.”
The ad hoc committee is expected to hear directly from Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi on October 7 and 8, following his earlier testimony before the Madlanga Commission (September 17–19), where he made similar explosive claims.
The inquiry remains one of the most politically charged investigations into policing and governance in recent years, with further witnesses scheduled to appear in the coming weeks.
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