Madlanga Commission questions lack of action after JMPD officers linked to alleged kidnapping

The Madlanga Commission, a South African investigative body, has raised concerns about the lack of progress in serious allegations involving officers from the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD). Sergeant Rico van Wyk, a former supervisor of Johannes Mokgatle and Zwelibanzi Mgujulwa, testified that he identified the two officers in footage linked to an alleged kidnapping and extortion on September 29, 2021.

The footage showed a white BMW 3 Series behind a BMW 4 Series, with several men surrounding the driver and a child being removed from the second vehicle. Both Mokgatle and Mgujulwa admitted to being depicted in the footage, but provided no explanation for their presence or involvement. Van Wyk reported the matter through his chain of command, expressing concerns about the safety of his colleagues and his own due to unidentified masked men involved in the case.

Despite his efforts, there was no further action taken against the officers, and the commission's legal team found no related report within JMPD Internal Affairs. Co-commissioner Sandile Khumalo expressed disappointment that nothing came of the reported incident. Internal Affairs head, Superintendent Elmarie de Beer, testified about a pattern of collusion between some JMPD officers and criminal elements.

She also mentioned fear among complainants, as they are afraid of armed officers capable of carrying out heinous acts. The commission will continue its hearings on Wednesday.