CAPE TOWN – National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has expressed concern after a witness walked out during testimony before an ad hoc committee investigating allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal’s police commissioner.
Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan left the committee on Thursday while giving evidence before the panel, which was established to probe allegations by Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Parliament said in a statement that parliamentary committees are constitutionally mandated to conduct oversight and gather evidence in a manner that upholds the dignity and integrity of Parliament. Witnesses are expected to cooperate fully with proceedings and respect Parliament’s authority.
The Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act of 2004 prohibits any person from improperly interfering with or impeding Parliament or its committees from exercising their authority. The Act also prohibits creating or taking part in any disturbance while a committee is meeting.
Didiza said she is concerned about the implications of the conduct for Parliament’s ability to discharge its constitutional obligation to exercise oversight and interrogate the serious allegations before the ad hoc committee.
She has requested an urgent report from the committee’s chairperson, Molapi Lekganyane, detailing the events and the circumstances surrounding O’Sullivan’s departure.
Once the report is received, the Speaker will determine what action may be necessary under the Powers and Privileges Act and the Rules of the National Assembly to safeguard Parliament’s integrity.
“Parliament remains committed to ensuring that its processes are conducted in accordance with the Constitution, the law, and its established rules, and that oversight is exercised firmly, fairly and without fear or favour,” the statement said.
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