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The Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate the allegations made by the South African Police Service (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner has noted with concern misleading viral reports on several media platforms alleging that the committee has “exonerated”/”cleared” various individuals of wrongdoing.

The Chairperson dismisses these reports as premature, irrational and gullible and wishes to place on record that while the committee has begun deliberations on the draft preliminary report, no conclusion has been made. During its meeting yesterday, the committee considered inputs from its members on the second draft preliminary report, which was significantly enriched by the members. The third draft preliminary report may be available for further deliberations by next week. 

The committee’s adoption of the report will only happen two or more weeks after it has been shared with affected parties. 

“The media commentary is akin to putting the cart before the horse based on a draft preliminary report that is subject to deliberations. Though members of the committee are in agreement with most of the contents of the report, there are equally varying findings and recommendations that have to be incorporated into the report for further deliberations,” said the Chairperson of the committee, Mr Soviet Lekganyane.

Mr Lekganyane appealed to members of the public to have confidence in the committee and in Parliament to act in their best interests in the quest to safeguard South Africa’s criminal justice system and to ensure robust oversight is conducted. 

Once the committee has concluded its processes, the Speaker of the National Assembly will inform the public accordingly. 

The Chairperson further appeals to the public to exercise restraint and patience while the committee completes its work. “We urge the public to trust the process and their elected representatives to make determinations that are evidence-based, impartial and judicious,” Mr Lekganyane concluded.

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee, Soviet Lekganyane