The Madlanga Commission, officially known as the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, is currently grappling with serious allegations against high-ranking police officials in South Africa. Set in motion by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2025, the inquiry has drawn a significant amount of public attention as compelling testimonies arise surrounding claims that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya used their duties to support criminal syndicates and drug cartels.
The foundation of these allegations was laid out during recent hearings, where witnesses, including Kwazulu-Natal Director of Public Prosecutions Elaine Harrison and Major General Marga Van Rooyen, have provided crucial evidence. Harrison indicated that significant cooperation towards reducing political killings has been severely undermined by Mchunu’s attempt to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). Her testimony on Friday outlined the lack of formal communication surrounding Mchunu’s controversial decision, stating, “There had been no formal communication to me about the de-establishment of the task team itself, other than what I saw on social media.”
Harrison’s comments reflect a growing frustration within law enforcement regarding the political interference that has become more pronounced, especially within this context. “An enormous amount of work had taken place to ensure the necessary coordination,” she added, highlighting the critical nature of ongoing efforts in prosecuting politically motivated crimes.
The commission further examined the implications of Mchunu’s move, with Major General Van Rooyen asserting his actions as unlawful. She stated, “The decision of the minister to close a political task team that was responsible for the investigation of crime, in my view, fell outside the mandate or authority of the minister.” This sentiment aligns with earlier statements from National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, who described Mchunu’s response to police actions — particularly referencing the arrest of alleged murderer Katishi KT Molefe — as uncharacteristically adversarial. “I have never before seen a minister angry that police have done their job and arrested criminals,” Masemola remarked.
The allegations have prompted broader discussions about accountability and governance within the South African Police Service (SAPS). Speculation around Mchunu’s motives intensifies as testimonies expose a tense relationship between police leadership and the political sphere. Masemola conveyed his resistance to Mchunu’s pressure, insisting that the necessity for the PKTT remained post-1994, despite what the minister suggested about its obsolescence.
As the inquiry continues, with SAPS Crime Intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo set to testify next week, the pressure mounts on Mchunu and Sibiya to address these serious allegations directly. For many, the outcome of the Madlanga Commission may represent a pivotal moment for accountability in South Africa’s criminal justice system.
