Madlanga Commission resumes after two-week break
Tuesday's testimony will focus on alleged infiltration of the JMPD by criminal networks.
On Tuesday, the Madlanga Commission is set to return to its public hearings, with a focus on investigating allegations against the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD). Senior police officer testimony will be sought regarding criminal infiltration, collusion with syndicates, bribery, and abuse of resources within the force. Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels announced the commission's agenda for Day 173.
The hearings follow serious accusations against JMPD officers, including those linked to a multimillion-rand gemstone theft, the alleged protection of a murder suspect with suspected cartel ties, and widespread traffic-related bribery. The most serious case involves the alleged theft of gemstones valued at R14.9 million from a Killarney flat in 2023.
Inspector Witness K testified in camera, admitting to planning and executing the operation that resulted in the seizure of high-grade sugilite and manganese stones. She further implicated suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi, alleging that information about the stones was used in a purported law-enforcement operation.
Witness K was subsequently arrested and appeared in Johannesburg Magistrate's Court in connection with the alleged heist.
Additional allegations have been brought against JMPD K9 officer Johannes Makgatle, who is accused of assisting Katiso "KT" Molefe, an alleged member of the so-called Big 5 drug cartel. Evidence reportedly suggests that Makgatle claimed sick leave while present at Molefe's residence during an arrest operation. He is also alleged to have used a JMPD vehicle without authorization while off duty and attempted to obstruct investigators.
These corruption allegations have intensified pressure on the police department, with testimony revealing claims of large-scale bribery and extortion involving metro traffic officers, with alleged corruption reaching R1.5 million per day. The commission has also demanded comprehensive records of JMPD security tenders in light of scrutiny over alleged procurement irregularities.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
