Overview
The Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations raised by KwaZulu‑Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has adopted a detailed roadmap to finish its work and deliver a final report. After realizing it could not meet the original June 12 deadline, the committee agreed on a new schedule that stretches the process to mid‑July, with a possible extension to the end of July 2026 if needed.
Why the Extension Was Needed
Parliamentary legal advisor Andile Tetyana pointed out that evidence leaders were struggling to complete their evidentiary overview report. This delay created a ripple effect, slowing down every subsequent milestone in the inquiry. Tetyana therefore asked the committee to consider another deadline extension, emphasizing that the team is ready to follow the committee’s guidance on making the request.
Proposed Roadmap
Nicolette van Zyl‑Gous, the committee’s content advisor, presented a step‑by‑step plan designed to ground the final report in solid evidence, collective discussion, and clear recommendations that could improve police accountability and public trust.
Phase 1: Establishing the Record (June 9‑June 10)
- Adopt the reporting schedule (done on Tuesday night).
- Hold a workshop on the committee’s oversight role and mandate (Wednesday night).
- Discuss the evidentiary overview and outline the structure of the preliminary report.
Phase 2: Evidentiary Assessment (June 11‑June 18)
- Begin drafting the committee report.
- Organise witness evidence.
- Deliberate on seven key themes drawn from the evidence.
Phase 3: Drafting Findings & Recommendations (June 19‑June 24)
- The content team writes up findings and recommendations.
- Draft reports are circulated to MPs for review.
Phase 4: Review by Affected Persons (June 25‑July 8)
- Send the draft report to individuals and entities mentioned in the inquiry.
- Allow a two‑week window for responses and representations.
Phase 5: Final Report Preparation (July 9‑July 16)
- Consider representations from affected persons on July 10.
- Finalise and adopt the report on July 16.
Note: The timetable is flexible. If extra discussions or procedural steps arise, the process could extend to July 31, 2026, with built‑in time for drafting and replies.
What This Means for Teens
- Transparency: A clear, public timeline lets everyone see how the investigation unfolds.
- Accountability: The roadmap aims to produce recommendations that could lead to better policing practices, which directly affect community safety.
- Participation: Opportunities for affected parties to respond ensure that voices—especially those of young people impacted by police actions—are heard before conclusions are drawn.
Conclusion
By adopting this structured roadmap, the Ad Hoc Committee shows its commitment to completing a thorough, evidence‑based inquiry while remaining adaptable to unforeseen challenges. The planned phases—from setting the record to final adoption—are designed to strengthen the report’s credibility and its potential to improve governance and public confidence in the police and justice system. If followed as outlined, the committee should be able to present its findings to the House by mid‑July, with a safety net for additional time if necessary.
