University of KwaZulu-Natal researcher Mary de Haas declined to identify information sources during testimony before a parliamentary committee investigating criminal justice system interference, citing ethical obligations as a social worker and safety concerns for contacts. The crime activist defended her decision while appearing at the Ad Hoc Committee hearings, stating that many informants are public figures who have previously disclosed accounts through media channels and official investigations.
De Haas criticized resource allocation toward politically connected cases while ordinary citizens receive inadequate service, describing the disparity as absurd given widespread poverty and violence affecting communities. The academic confirmed advocating for the dissolution of the Political Killings Task Team through correspondence with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu after receiving reports of physical mistreatment and procedural irregularities, including fabricated evidence. Provincial Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi had previously attributed the unit's closure to lobbying efforts by the researcher and others.
De Haas criticized resource allocation toward politically connected cases while ordinary citizens receive inadequate service, describing the disparity as absurd given widespread poverty and violence affecting communities. The academic confirmed advocating for the dissolution of the Political Killings Task Team through correspondence with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu after receiving reports of physical mistreatment and procedural irregularities, including fabricated evidence. Provincial Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi had previously attributed the unit's closure to lobbying efforts by the researcher and others.
