Parliament rejects calls for debate on Police Minister’s corruption allegations

South Africa’s parliamentary Speaker Thoko Didiza denied a request by two political parties to hold a debate on allegations that the police minister and senior national officials interfered in an investigation into political assassinations. 

Didiza asked the portfolio committees on police, justice and constitutional development and the joint standing committee on intelligence to urgently consider the claims made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and report back to the National Assembly, parliament said in a statement on Wednesday.

The Democratic Alliance, the second-biggest party in the government of national unity, and opposition ActionSA demanded an urgent parliamentary debate on police corruption after Mkhwanazi accused Minister Senzo Mchunu of wrongdoing.

“The speaker believes that it would not be appropriate to hold such a debate, as these allegations remain unsubstantiated at this stage,” parliament said.