The Democratic Alliance (DA) has walked out of Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee meeting in Cape Town. The committee is investigating allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption and political interference in the justice system.
DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach questioned the evidence of Kishene Chetty who is a member of the public.
Breytenbach’s concern is that most of Chetty’s evidence is about cases that are still pending in various courts. She says she is very worried that Chetty may incriminate himself in the process of testifying.
“I honestly submit. It is my view that we are about to seriously prejudice Mr Chetty whether he realises or not. It’s not really relevant. We are about to do serious damage to whatever case he may have and I will urged him to not proceed with this. We can take note of his affidavit. There is stuff that is really concerning here but we can read it. If he opens up to questions chair, I foresee serious problems. And I am not quite sure if I want to participate in this because once he does that it is our responsibility to question him. And it will really not come out right for him. It can only prejudice his case. I am not sure if his lawyer knows of this.”
VIDEO |Businessman Kishene Chetty’s testimony on conversation with private investigator Paul O’Sullivan:
African National Congress Member of Parliament, Xola Nqola, has expressed concern about the effectiveness of communication between the evidence leaders of the Ad Hoc Committee and the Chairperson Soviet Lekganyane.
There have been serious disagreements among committee members regarding the evidence from Chetty.
“Chair, I think it’s important. It would have been raised by members in our house keeping committee meetings that between the evidence leaders, the legal unit of Parliament and the secretariat, there must be a way of checking unto the nature of the people who apply to appear this committee because it’s quite cumbersome now if every now and then we are to discuss in this setting, in the presence of the person who would want to come and present to us, in front of South Africa that no this person was not supposed to be here.”
VIDEO | Parliament Ad Hoc Committee’s proceedings on 12 March 2026:
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-woman-walks-along-one-of-almonte-s-quiet-quaint-streets-right-a-golden-retriever-sits-outside-a-charming-boutique-in-almont.jpg?id=54019581&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=96%2C0%2C96%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>Looking for a <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/travel/small-towns-near-montreal-road-trip">romantic road trip from Montreal</a>? This <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/small-town-near-montreal-road-trip-almonte" target="_self" rel="noopener">quaint and cozy Christmas village</a> is just two hours from the city and looks like it belongs in a Hallmark movie—for good reason!</p><p>With its old-time charm and picturesque streets, this <a href="https://almonte.com/movies/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">real-life Hallmark village</a> has been the backdrop for 17 Hallmark movies, including <em>Christmas By Design, A Christmas Stray, A Chance For Christmas, The Christmas Set Up</em>, and many more. </p><p>In fact, this small town has hosted so many holiday movies it's been dubbed the "Mini Hollywood North" and the "Hallmark capital" by <a href="https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca/articles/romantic-holiday-getaways-ontario#:~:text=romantic%20holiday%20getaway.-,Almonte,than%20forty%20different%20Canadian%20makers.">Destination Ontario</a>. </p><p>This <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/upper-canada-village-alight-at-night-festival-near-montreal">cozy Christmas town</a> is located in Almonte, Ontario, around 2-3 hours from Montreal, depending on how you travel. If you want to road trip, it'll take you just under 3 hours to get there. You'll pass Ottawa en route, so you can stop for a coffee in the capital if you need a break from driving.</p><p>Arriving in Almonte, a former mill town, you're greeted by winding streets lined with heritage buildings dressed up in holiday decor. Once the season is in full swing, the village's streets are filled with Christmas trees and wreaths, wrapping you up in the holiday spirit.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXd1t07LJ6-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXd1t07LJ6-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Canada's version of the Mississippi River runs through town, catching the lights as you stroll along, giving everything a picture-perfect feel. With snow on the ground (fingers crossed!) and festive lights all around, it's hard not to feel like you've stepped into your own wintry movie scene.<br/></p><p>It's pretty obvious why this spot was selected for so many festive films and has even been described as "<a href="https://www.narcity.com/small-town-ontario-almonte-hallmark-capital">the Christmas capital of Ontario</a>." The <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/canadas-most-beautiful-village-fall-road-trip-montreal">quaint village</a> is packed with cozy shops, glowing streetlights, and a small-town vibe that really leans into winter magic. </p><p>A weekend trip here could start with a visit to <a href="https://almonte.com/destination/baker-bobs/">Baker Bob's</a>, a local favourite, which offers freshly baked treats—perfect for warming up cold hands while you browse. And if you're hungry, <a href="https://almonte.com/destination/joes-italian-kitchen/">Joe's Italian Kitchen</a> serves up hearty comfort food that hits the spot on a wintry day.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl9is4sPNCg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl9is4sPNCg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Almonte's annual <a href="https://almonte.com/destination/light-up-the-night/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Light Up The Night event</a> kicks off the holiday season on the first Friday of December. It's a popular event, with fireworks, Christmas lights and live music as part of an open-air concert. Described as one of Canada's "largest and most magical outdoor Christmas shows," this shouldn't be missed.</p><p>There's also the Almonte Christmas Night Parade, <a href="https://www.mississippimills.ca/en/explore-and-play/almonte-night-parade.aspx">described as</a> "a twinkly celebration with loads of sparkling lights and music."</p><p>During winter, the nearby Old Town Hall hosts the <a href="https://almonte.com/destination/folkus-concert-series/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Folkus Concert Series</a>, featuring Canadian bands and artists "up close."</p><p>If you're in the mood to browse, Almonte's local shops have handmade crafts and holiday decor that are perfect for pretty much everyone on your Christmas list. Tin Barn Market, for example, is packed with items that feel right out of a holiday magazine: home decor, candles, and handcrafted pieces.</p><p>If antiques are your thing, don't forget to check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Almonteantiquesandcollectibles/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Almonte Antique & Collectibles</a> for a one-of-a-kind gift for yourself or somebody else.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaQd3owpjim/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CaQd3owpjim/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Of course, a visit to Almonte wouldn't be complete without seeing Mill Falls, a small but beautiful waterfall that runs through town. In winter, the falls can freeze over, turning into a landscape of snow and ice that's straight out of a winter postcard.</p><p>For the perfect holiday selfie, head to <a href="https://cedarhillchristmastreefarm.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm</a>.</p><h3>Almonte, Ontario</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJY4BY_rfLJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJY4BY_rfLJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Address: Almonte, Mississippi Mills, ON</p><p>Why You Need To Go: Although this spot has been <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/19/movies/holiday-movie-town-almonte-canada.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">depicted in movies as Vermont</a>, Milwaukee and even Alaska, Almonte is absolutely magical in its own right! With quaint streets, charming stores, cozy coffee spots and a whole host of festive events, this twinkling Christmas town is the perfect place to celebrate the season.</p><p><a href="https://almonte.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Almonte tourism website</a><br/></p><p><em>Before you get going, check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/responsible-travel-guidelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Responsible Travel Guide</a> so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.</em></p>
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