Kishene Chetty testifies before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee
“I honestly submit. It is my view that we are about to seriously prejudice Mr Chetty whether he realises or not,” stated DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach during a heated session of the Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations of corruption and political interference in the South African justice system.
Chetty, a businessman embroiled in multiple criminal cases, appeared before the committee on March 12, 2026, in Cape Town. His testimony comes at a time when he faces serious charges including fraud, corruption, and money laundering linked to irregular PPE contracts valued at approximately R8 million.
In addition to the PPE contract allegations, Chetty is implicated in a R56 million police vehicle branding contract involving fraud, money laundering, and racketeering. He also faces separate charges of fraud and tax evasion involving nearly R14 million from the South African Revenue Service.
Concerns were raised by ANC MP Xola Nqola, who warned that Chetty’s evidence could legally detriment him in his pending cases, stating, “It’s a detriment, a legal detriment to Mr Chetty himself to come and answer here.” The DA ultimately walked out of the committee meeting, citing worries over the implications of Chetty’s testimony.
The committee chairperson ruled that proceedings must continue despite these concerns. Chetty alleged during his testimony that authorities have abused their powers against him, claiming, “When I do complain about them, I get arrested or they retaliate by using state machinery. I have proof of all of that.” This assertion adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigations.
Critics have pointed out that the sub judice rule, which restricts engagement with matters currently before the courts, complicates the situation further. The committee’s legal team faced criticism for not flagging potential issues before inviting Chetty to testify.
As the session unfolded, the atmosphere was charged with tension, reflecting the broader implications of Chetty’s allegations and the ongoing scrutiny of the South African Police Service. Leigh-Ann Mathys, another committee member, remarked, “We are an embarrassment to the people who voted for us. Parliament is an embarrassment not to provide adequate resources.”
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the committee’s next steps in light of the contentious testimony. The implications of Chetty’s statements and the legal ramifications for him and the committee remain to be seen.
