President Cyril Ramaphosa has sought to defend the establishment of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, to probe allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi alleged that the Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu had interfered with sensitive police investigations and colluded with businesspeople, including a murder accused, to disband the Political Killings Task Team based in KwaZulu-Natal.
The President announced the commission on Sunday night during his address to the nation, which will be chaired by acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.
Delivering the Presidency budget speech in parliament, Ramaphosa said he has confidence in the commissions.
“These allegations are serious, and they’re also untested.
It is therefore necessary that we establish the facts through an independent, credible and thorough process so that we can ensure accountability and safeguard public confidence in the police service.
It is therefore strange that some people have voiced strong opposition to the establishment of this commission of inquiry,” said Ramaphosa.
His comments come after some opposition parties and civil society organizations, expressed concerns that commissions have in the past failed, adding that parliament has often failed to ensure that their recommendations are limited.
But Ramaphosa however sought to defend the commissions, highlighting that some have helped recover billions of rands and led to the prosecution of corrupt officials.
“The commission should be allowed to do its work.
Some people have resurrected the tired line that the commissions and panels that we have established have not produced any meaningful results.
This view is wrong.
It is not borne out by evidence,” explained Ramaphosa.
The president cited amongst others the Commission on the South African Revenue Service, chaired by Judge Robert Nugent, as one of the successes, whose recommendations resulted in a comprehensive overhaul of SARS’ leadership, governance structures and operational capacity.
“The Commission of Inquiry into the Public Investment Corporation, chaired by Judge Lex Mpati, exposed serious governance failures and led to far reaching institutional reforms.
These commissions resulted in disciplinary actions and the cancellation of unlawful contracts.
The value of assets linked to State Capture that have been recovered by the state stood at nearly R11 billion by March 2025.
Another R10.6 billion is currently frozen, awaiting the outcome of cases in court,” remarked Ramaphosa.
Furthermore, the president said each of these commissions and panels unearthed information and made findings that were critical to understanding the events that took place.
Ramaphosa emphasised that the integrity and credibility of the criminal justice system, is vital to the country’s ongoing efforts to combat crime and corruption.
The president said over the last few years, government has made significant progress to reinforce law enforcement agencies, security services and prosecutorial bodies.
“These changes have been real and visible in the South African Police Service, the Hawks, National Prosecuting Authority, Asset Forfeiture Unit, Special Investigating Unit, State Security Agency and others.
We are determined to maintain this momentum.
We must therefore be concerned when reports emerge, and allegations are made that threaten to undermine the stability and effectiveness of these institutions,” concluded Ramaphosa.
