Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola have agreed to submit 121 dockets linked to political killings to the Madlanga Commission. This pivotal decision emerged following a meeting between the two leaders on Monday, marking a crucial step in addressing the rampant violence that has plagued the country in recent years.
The decision to submit these dockets has drawn both support and criticism from various political factions. While Cachalia has publicly condemned Masemola’s earlier ruling to return the dockets to KwaZulu-Natal, he has also faced backlash from political parties such as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party regarding the handling of these sensitive cases. The exchange of criticism underscores the severe political stakes involved as the nation grapples with a wave of political murders targeting councillors, public officials, whistle-blowers, and anti-corruption advocates.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Police confirmed that the South African Police Service (SAPS) is committed to fully supporting the work of the Madlanga Commission. During their meeting, Cachalia and Masemola acknowledged the urgent need to enhance the capacity of SAPS to investigate these killings effectively. This commitment reflects a broader recognition of the critical role these investigations play in combatting corruption and organised crime within South African politics.
The Madlanga Commission has been instituted to probe the links between political violence and criminal acts.