CROOKED BLUE LINE: Cocaine, kidnappings and robberies — damning allegations levelled against Joburg metro police

According to the Madlanga Commission on 15 September, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) faces serious allegations of collusion with criminal syndicates, interference in cocaine cases, kidnappings, robberies, and threats against officers investigating corruption within the department. Internal Affairs chief Superintendent Elmarie de Beer testified that some officers had formed informal "informer" networks, with civilians acting as spotters at targeted businesses in exchange for rewards.

These civilians were employed within or near the targeted businesses and were willing to participate in criminal activity for rewards. De Beer stated that the criminals targeted lucrative businesses, including hardware companies, Chinese suppliers, and commodities like copper, gold, diamonds, and precious stones. The JMPD's alleged collusion extended beyond the department, involving members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks).

Retired JMPD officer Phineas Manyama was accused of shielding criminal syndicates by rerouting officers away from targeted areas. Manyama, who served as a superintendent and later headed the Tactical Response Unit (TRU), allegedly decided which officers could operate in certain areas and designated specific zones as "no-go" for ordinary policing.

Allegations include arranging for TRU members to escort trucks transporting stolen copper, instructing TRU members to abandon a car chase, and protecting individuals involved in the killing of illegal miners. No criminal investigation has been launched based on these allegations, but Internal Affairs may have additional evidence supporting criminal referrals, such as WhatsApp messages exchanged between officers.