Parliament Elects Soviet Lekganyane to Lead Probe into SAPS Corruption Allegations

ANC seasoned leader Molapi Soviet Lekganyane.

The newly established ad hoc committee of Parliament has elected ANC MP Molapi Soviet Lekganyane as its chairperson to lead the investigation into serious corruption allegations against senior SAPS officials and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

This development comes after explosive allegations were made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, claiming that some of SAPS' most senior officials are involved in corruption and linking Minister Mchunu to dubious individuals.

Molapi Lekganyane brings a wealth of experience to this role, having served in various capacities. He has been a member of the National Assembly, representing the African National Congress (ANC) since June 2024. He also served as Provincial Secretary of the ANC in Limpopo for two terms from 2011 to 2013 and 2018 to 2022. Additionally, Lekganyane held the portfolio for local government and human settlements in the Limpopo Executive Council from 2009 to 2012 and worked as a special advisor to the Minister of Basic Education from 2022 to 2024.

The ANC in Limpopo has congratulated Lekganyane on his achievement, praising his leadership skills and dedication to public service. As a former Provincial Secretary of the ANC in Limpopo, Lekganyane's appointment is seen as a testament to his capabilities and commitment to serving the people.

The committee, chaired by Lekganyane, will investigate the alleged unlawful disbanding of the Political Killings Task Team and the removal of 121 dockets.

These allegations have sparked concerns about the integrity of the SAPS and the potential involvement of senior officials in corrupt activities.

Accepting the position, Lekganyane expressed gratitude to committee members for their confidence in him and highlighted the gravity of the committee's mandate. "Honourable members, I want to take this opportunity and thank you for the confidence that you have shown in me to be the chairperson of this committee, which is a committee of parliament that has been put in place as a result of matters of grave concern," he said.

Lekganyane emphasized the importance of the committee's work, stating that "all the eyes of the people of the republic are on this committee. And all the hopes of the people of this country are on us. Wherever there could have been unscrupulous activities, South Africans would want to hear us rise into the occasion, speaking on their behalf."

He also addressed the issue of public distrust in Parliament, citing recent public opinion research. "If we look at the surveys that have been done previously, South Africans are losing confidence in public institutions, including parliament. I think the last survey that I saw done by Afrobarometer was saying that the confidence of South Africans in parliament is at 27%," he noted.

Lekganyane proposed that the secretariat develop terms of reference for the committee and its program, emphasizing the need for swift action. "What I want to propose is that the secretariat develop terms of reference for the committee and its programme. So the next meeting, the sooner they conclude that, we must get into the next meeting and adopt those terms of reference," he said.

The investigation into corruption allegations against senior SAPS officials and Minister Mchunu is crucial for restoring public trust in the police and the government. The committee's work will be closely watched by South Africans, who are eager to see tangible results and meaningful action taken against those found to be involved in corrupt activities.

As Lekganyane noted, "It's up to us, all of us sitting here, to say those confidence ratings or those confidence levels, is that what we represent, or do they represent us as members of parliament?" The committee's findings and recommendations will have significant implications for the future of SAPS and the government's efforts to combat corruption.

The appointment of Molapi Lekganyane as chairperson of the ad hoc committee marks a significant step towards addressing the corruption allegations against senior SAPS officials and Minister Mchunu. With his extensive background and experience, Lekganyane is well-positioned to lead this investigation and potentially restore public trust in Parliament and the SAPS.

As the committee begins its work, South Africans will be watching closely to see how it navigates the complex issues at hand and whether it delivers meaningful results. The stakes are high, and the committee's findings will have far-reaching implications for the country's efforts to combat corruption and promote good governance.

In conclusion, the investigation led by Lekganyane will be a critical test of Parliament's ability to hold the government accountable and restore public trust in institutions. The outcome of this investigation will be eagerly anticipated by South Africans, who are hoping for meaningful action to be taken against those involved in corrupt activities.