Full Overview Of The Madlanga Commission, PKTT Fallout And Police Corruption Claims

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry opened its proceedings on 17 September at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria, marking a critical moment for South Africa’s criminal justice system.

The hearings began 73 days after the explosive 6 July briefing by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, whose allegations cast a harsh spotlight on deep-rooted problems within law enforcement, particularly in Gauteng.

Over 45 sitting days, the commission heard evidence from 37 witnesses, with 28 appearing in Phase One and nine in Phase Two.

Central to the inquiry is Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s directive to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).

That decision was challenged by both Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi and National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, who said they were not consulted before the instruction was issued.

PKTT Disbandment and Alleged Pressure from Criminal Investigations

While the PKTT decision remains a focal point, the commission also heard a series of far-reaching allegations. Businessmen Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and Katiso “KT” Molefe, both implicated in ongoing criminal investigations, had their homes raided by PKTT members on 6 December last year.

Mkhwanazi told the commission he believed the task team came under pressure after it began probing the two men in Gauteng, ultimately leading to the order to disband the unit. During the hearings, Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo delivered some of the most damaging testimony.

Khumalo spoke of what he described as the “Big Five cartel”, alleging it was made up of several highly sophisticated syndicates with extensive influence across illicit industries.

He further claimed that senior police officials were working with members of this cartel, naming Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and organised crime head Richard Shibiri.

EMPD Allegations, “Capture” Claims and Witness Safety Concerns

The commission later turned its attention to the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), where evidence suggested entrenched dysfunction within Gauteng’s criminal justice system.

Testimony alleged that Matlala had effectively “captured” the EMPD and was unlawfully permitted to use blue lights on his private security vehicles, allowing him to operate beyond legal constraints.

It was further claimed that Matlala entered into an unlawful agreement with the EMPD, allegedly approved by then Director of Specialised Services Julius Mkhwanazi. During Phase Two, Mkhwanazi denied acting unlawfully and defended his conduct.

However, he was portrayed as wielding unchecked power while serving as acting EMPD head, particularly over the department’s SWAT unit. One of the most serious allegations related to a 2022 incident in Brakpan, where a civilian allegedly died during an interrogation.

Protected witness Marius van der Merwe testified in camera, alleging he was instructed by Mkhwanazi to dispose of the victim’s body by dumping it in a dam or mineshaft. Van der Merwe was later shot and killed outside his home, raising alarm over witness protection and intensifying scrutiny on the commission and the wider justice system.

Ministerial Testimony, Extraordinary Claims and What Comes Next

Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was a key witness in Phase Two. He maintained that his December decision to disband the PKTT was justified, arguing the task team was not permanent and had completed its mandate, requiring members to return to their original units.

Under questioning by Commission Chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga and fellow commissioners, Mchunu conceded that the decision was flawed, particularly because it was taken without consultation with either the National Police Commissioner or the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner.

Another high-profile witness was North West businessman Brown Mogotsi, who made some of the most extraordinary claims of the inquiry. He alleged that Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi and King Misuzulu kaZwelithini were working for the United States’ Central Intelligence Agency.

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These allegations were not supported by evidence, and Mogotsi’s testimony was criticised for lacking corroboration.

An interim report was submitted to President Cyril Ramaphosa on 17 December. The commission is set to resume in mid-January for a further three months, with Phase Three allowing Phase One witnesses to respond to allegations raised against them in Phase Two.

The inquiry is expected to conclude around May next year, after which a final report with recommendations will be delivered to the President.

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