By Nokwanda Ncwane
It has been one year since KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made allegations that exposed what he described as deep-rooted criminal infiltration within South Africa’s law enforcement agencies.
The briefing marked a turning point in the country’s fight against organised crime and corruption, triggering political fallouts, criminal investigations and ultimately the establishment of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Since then, several senior police officials have been arrested or suspended, whistleblowers have come under attack and the commission has heard evidence from key witnesses as it seeks to uncover the extent of alleged corruption within the criminal justice system.
During his briefing, Mkhwanazi alleged that the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), which he said Police Minister Senzo Mchunu had ordered to be disbanded in December 2024, had uncovered an alleged criminal syndicate involving senior politicians, senior police officials, metro police officers, correctional services officials, prosecutors and businesspeople.
According to Mkhwanazi, the alleged syndicate was linked to drug cartels operating in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
He further alleged that the minister had interfered in police investigations by ordering the disbandment of the task team and the withdrawal of 120 case dockets. Mchunu has denied wrongdoing.
Several significant developments have followed over the past year as investigations intensified:
- HIGH PROFILE ARRESTS AND SUSPENSIONS
Authorities have arrested and suspended a number of senior law enforcement officials over alleged corruption and procurement-related offences.
Among the most notable cases is that involving National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, who was arrested in connection with the awarding of a R360 million SAPS health services tender to Medicare24 Tshwane District, a company linked to alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Other senior officials implicated in investigations include Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and Gauteng Traffic chief Samuel Mashaba, who have faced suspension over allegations of corruption.
In addition, Major General Richard Shiburi and Brigadier Rachel Matjeng have been dismissed from SAPS while Hawks KZN head Lesetja Senona resigned.
- WHISTLEBLOWER KILLED AFTER TESTIMONY
The safety of whistleblowers came under renewed scrutiny following the murder of former Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department officer Marius van der Merwe.
Van der Merwe, who testified in camera before the Madlanga Commission as Witness D, implicated Julius Mkhwanazi during his testimony. He was later shot dead in front of his family.
The commission’s investigators subsequently arrested former Task Force member Matipandile Sotheni in connection with the murder. He remains in custody while investigations continue.
- FEROZ KHAN ARRESTED AND LATER SHOT
Another major development involved Crime Intelligence boss Major General Feroz Khan.
Khan was arrested earlier this year on allegations relating to the unlawful possession and dealing of precious stones. Days before he was due to testify before the Madlanga Commission, he survived an apparent assassination attempt after being shot in Houghton, Johannesburg.
Police have launched a high-level investigation involving the Hawks, Crime Intelligence, SAPS detectives and the Political Killings Task Team. Authorities have cautioned against speculating about a possible link between the shooting and Khan’s scheduled appearance before the commission, saying investigators will be guided by the evidence.
- MADLALANGA COMMISSION CONTINUES ITS WORK
The Madlanga Commission continues to hear testimony from current and former law enforcement officials as it investigates allegations of corruption, organised crime, political interference and the alleged capture of elements of South Africa’s criminal justice system.
Its findings are expected to shape future reforms within SAPS and other law enforcement agencies while determining whether criminal prosecutions should follow against those implicated.
