Former IPID head Robert McBride testified before an ad hoc parliamentary committee, stating that it was “inconsistent” for Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to have been the first at the scene of the murder of Mandla Mahlangu while failing to attend the funeral.
McBride, who was questioned by MK Party MP Sibonelo Nomvalo, elaborated on his concerns about Mkhwanazi’s actions, stating that in his view, the conduct displayed by the general was “not the normal conduct of a person who’s close to people.”
“In the same way, when KwaZulu-Natal was burning in 2021, General Mkhwanazi was not on the scene dealing with the insurrection.
”One would have expected him to attend the funeral, considering his connections with those involved,” McBride said.
When questioned further, McBride clarified that this inconsistency was his assumption and observation based on the sequence of events, particularly noting that Mkhwanazi had taken leave during a provincial emergency.
However, McBride’s claim about Mkhwanazi’s actions was called into question by Nomvalo as it emerged that Mkhwanazi had received a phone call from Mahlangu’s brother before he arrived at the scene.
This information was revealed during the testimony, prompting a change in McBride’s tone. When asked whether he had investigated the sequence of events or considered this new information, McBride acknowledged that the situation now “makes sense.”
“Yeah, it’s starting to make sense now,” he said, referring to the phone call Mkhwanazi allegedly received from Mahlangu’s brother.
However, McBride also admitted that he lacked full details about Mkhwanazi’s movements and the reasons behind his actions.
“Would I be wrong to assume you are in direct communication with General Mkhwanazi?” Nomvalo asked.
“I don’t know. That’s your own issue,” said McBride.
Further pressing him on his assumptions, Nomvalo asked whether it was fair to make conclusions based on assumptions rather than facts.
McBride maintained that it was indeed common to form assumptions during an investigation, stating, “That’s how you start an investigation.”
McBride was confronted about his approach to investigating complaints within the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
He explained the process for lodging complaints, emphasising that while complaints could come in through various channels such as calls, emails, and letters, the executive director or provincial head ultimately oversees the allocation of cases.
McBride clarified that, as the executive director, it was his responsibility to provide strategic direction but maintained that he did not personally handle complaints unless they were referred to his office.
“In terms of the legislation, I’m supposed to provide strategic direction and investigation,” he said
In a separate line of questioning, McBride was asked about his earlier claims regarding Leon Mbangwa, particularly allegations that Mbangwa had been employed using a false passport.
McBride had previously stated that Mbangwa was hired under questionable circumstances, suggesting that he was an illegal immigrant.
McBride was informed during the proceedings that Mbangwa had taken the matter to court, where it was settled after presenting DNA evidence proving his South African citizenship.
McBride admitted to being unaware of this development, stating that the information was new to him.
“Do you know that Leon Mbangwa took the matter to court about an accusation that he is an illegal immigrant?” Nomvalo asked.
“No, I’m not aware,” he said, acknowledging that he did not know the case was being resolved through DNA evidence.
Nomvalo expressed concern about McBride’s repeated claims about Mbangwa’s citizenship, noting that McBride had made serious allegations without being fully informed of the facts.
McBride acknowledged this, conceding that he had spoken based on information he had at the time, but without the full understanding of Mbangwa’s legal resolution.
Despite this, McBride defended his statements, asserting that at the time Mbangwa was appointed Chief of Staff, he was still in possession of a false passport.
“At that time, when he was Chief of Staff and involving himself irregularly, interfering with IPID business, he was still holding and using the false passport,” McBride said
McBride acknowledged this, conceding that he had spoken based on information he had at the time, but without the full understanding of Mbangwa’s legal resolution.
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