Madlanga Commission marks one year of testimony on police corruption

It is now exactly one year since President Cyril Ramaphosa established the Madlanga Commission, following Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's media briefing on July 6, 2025. Mkhwanazi alleged criminal infiltration within law enforcement and political interference in these institutions. The Commission has since heard testimony from over 100 witnesses and made recommendations for further investigations.

The Commission's mission is to investigate criminality, political interference, and corruption within the criminal justice system. Currently, the focus of the Madlanga Commission is the disbanding of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). Former Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, now on leave of absence, disbanded the PKTT, citing cost constraints.

However, Mkhwanazi contends this decision was unlawful and irregular. Mchunu also claimed a 2019 study opposed standalone task teams, but this study, signed by former Police Commissioner Khehla Sitole, did not recommend PKTT disbandment. Commissioner Sandile Khumalo challenged Mchunu's interpretation, stating he misrepresented the study.

The PKTT is created by the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC), requiring IMC decision and approval to disband. Evidence suggests criminal syndicates may have been aided by South African Police Service (SAPS) members in infiltrations, potentially impacting ongoing sensitive investigations, including those linked to Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala.

Matlala possessed a letter authorizing the PKTT disbandment and was allegedly an intermediary between Mchunu and Matlala, allegedly connected to Mchunu's political campaign. Matlala denies meeting Mchunu or giving him money. Mchunu denies allegations of attempting to implicate Mkhwanazi in police shootings, but Mkhwanazi remains under subpoena.