Madlanga Commission Names Officials For Investigation — Here’s Who They Are

President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged the interim report of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which has identified several senior police officers and municipal officials for criminal investigation following allegations of corruption and criminal conduct.

The interim report, handed to the president on 17 December 2025, flows from the commission established in July last year to probe claims of deep-rooted corruption, political interference and criminality within South Africa’s criminal justice system.

The inquiry was formed after damning allegations were made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. It is chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, with Advocates Sesi Baloyi SC and Sandile Khumalo SC assisting.

President Accepts Findings and Pushes for Urgent Criminal Action

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Presidency confirmed that Ramaphosa had reviewed the interim report and “accepts its recommendations”, including referrals for criminal investigations, swift prosecutorial decisions and possible suspensions of implicated officials.

“President Ramaphosa further welcomes the referrals by the commission of matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution, as well as recommendations on the employment status and recommended suspension of individuals,” the statement read.

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Under its mandate, the commission is empowered to identify prima facie wrongdoing, recommend suspensions pending further inquiry and refer matters for criminal investigation and prosecution.

The interim report points to prima facie evidence against nine current and former officials linked to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD).

Those named include:

• Suspended EMPD chief of police commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi
• EMPD officers Bafana Twala, Aiden McKenzie and Kershia Leigh Stols
• Former EMM city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi
• EMM fleet manager and proxy Chris Steyn
• EMM head of human resources Linda Gxasheka
• EMM head of legal, Advocate Kemi Behari
• Etienne van der Walt

According to the Presidency, the allegations span “criminality, corruption, fraud, murder, perjury and other unlawful actions” involving officials within Saps, the City of Ekurhuleni and the EMPD.

Senior Saps Officers Also Flagged in Interim Report

The commission has also referred matters involving five serving South African Police Service members:

• Major General Lesetja Senona
• Major General Richard Shibiri
• Brigadier Mbangwa Nkhwashu
• Brigadier Rachel Matjeng
• Sergeant Fannie Nkosi

Where the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is already handling cases, the commission has indicated it will seek explanations for any investigative delays.

“Some of the implicated individuals will return to the commission to respond to allegations presented against them, and more witnesses are yet to deliver their evidence.”

The Presidency stressed that, aside from EMPD chief Julius Mkhwanazi, several individuals listed have not yet testified before the commission.

“The allegations against them remain prima facie allegations only and are not findings of the commission,” it said, adding that the seriousness of the claims justified immediate referrals.

Madlanga Commission Defends Referrals as Lawful and Necessary

Addressing the media on the sidelines of proceedings, commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said the interim report was submitted strictly in line with the commission’s terms of reference.

“The delivery of the report on 17 December was in line with the terms of reference of the commission, which specifically require the commission to make actionable recommendations to the president,” Michaels said.

“That is what the commission has done, as reflected in the statement issued by the president.”

He welcomed the formation of a special investigations task team but emphasised that the commission would continue executing its own responsibilities alongside law enforcement and oversight bodies.

Responding to questions about individuals who have not yet appeared before the commission, Michaels was clear that no final conclusions had been drawn.

“The commission has not made findings. These remain prima facie allegations,” he said. “But given the prima facie evidence before it, the commission considered it appropriate to make these referrals.”

He added that all those implicated would be given an opportunity to respond.

“Those persons of interest will be given the opportunity to appear before the commission to tell their side of the story and to answer to the allegations.”

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To accelerate the process, Ramaphosa has instructed Police Minister Firoz Cachalia and Saps national commissioner General Fannie Masemola to establish a dedicated investigations task team.

“The task team will institute investigations against people identified by the commission for investigation.

“Establishing a special unit is critical to ensure that these investigations take place as a matter of urgency,” the Presidency said.

Ramaphosa has also urged law enforcement agencies to act decisively on the recommendations, saying this was vital to restoring public confidence and strengthening the fight against corruption.

“The president looks forward to the finalisation of the commission’s work and its contribution to the effective functioning of law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system.”

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