KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, began his testimony on Wednesday as the first witness at the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System. The hearing, held at the Bridgette Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria, marks the official start of the inquiry.
The commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa following an explosive media briefing by Mkhwanazi on 6 July. During that briefing, he made serious allegations about a sophisticated criminal syndicate operating within the country’s law enforcement structures, prompting a nationwide shock and leading to the formation of this inquiry. Mkhwanazi is expected to testify for five consecutive days.
His testimony is anticipated to detail claims of political interference and the protection of criminal networks within the South African Police Service (SAPS). Among the key allegations is that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu unlawfully instructed the shutdown of the Political Killings Task Team, a move Mkhwanazi reportedly believes was intended to obstruct investigations into politically connected individuals. The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is tasked with investigating these and other claims.
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A costly inquiry amid public scepticism
The establishment of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry comes with a significant price tag of R147.9 million, allocated over the 2025 and 2026 financial years. This has drawn criticism from opposition parties and concern from civil society organisations, who question whether the expenditure will lead to tangible outcomes or if its findings will be ignored, similar to previous commissions.
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party described the commission as “political spectacle” that would not lead to arrests, while ActionSA questioned the need for another commission when the R1 billion Zondo Commission report has yet to be fully acted upon. Anti-corruption group Corruption Watch has stated it will closely monitor how the funds are used, acknowledging that while commissions have a poor track record, the potential value in exposing deep-seated corruption within the police service could be immense for the country.
As the proceedings unfold, the public will be watching closely to see if the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry can deliver accountability within South Africa’s embattled criminal justice system.
Image: SABC
