The sixth day of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into the South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened new avenues of concern regarding the integrity of the nation’s law enforcement. Established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption within the criminal justice system, the commission’s findings thus far have raised alarms about the potential infiltration of key political figures by criminal enterprises.
During the hearings, both National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi delivered damning testimonies that highlighted troubling connections between Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala, an alleged member of a criminal cartel deeply entrenched within law enforcement agencies. Mchunu, currently on special leave, has been implicated not only through the testimonies but also through emerging evidence, including telephone records linking him directly to Matlala.
In their comprehensive accounts to the commission, Mkhwanazi and Masemola revealed that the disbandment of the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), an initiative praised for its efficacy in resolving high-profile murder cases—such as those at the University of Fort Hare and targeting traditional leaders in the Eastern Cape—was executed unlawfully by Mchunu.
This drastic action has raised questions about the interests that may have led the Minister to dismantle a team demonstrating significant achievements in active investigations.The commission heard from Masemola that the motives behind the PKTT’s disbandment became significantly clearer following Matlala’s arrest in May 2025. The strategic timing of such actions has prompted widespread speculation: was Mchunu’s decision to dissolve the team an attempt to undermine its effectiveness at a critical juncture?
As the inquiry progresses, the implications of these testimonies extend beyond individual accountability, stirring public anxiety about the integrity of the entire South African criminal justice system. With high-profile names now implicated, the commission’s findings could reshape the narrative around corruption within law enforcement and governmental authority.
