The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System—commonly referred to as the Madlanga Commission, after its chair, retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga—was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2025. It stems from explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused high-level figures, including then-Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, of undermining investigations into politically motivated killings and colluding with organized crime elements. Public hearings began on September 17, 2025, and have uncovered layers of alleged interference in the South African Police Service (SAPS), including the controversial disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
As of December 1, 2025, the commission is in Phase Two of its inquiry, focusing on deeper probes into corruption and political meddling. It aims to deliver an interim report to Ramaphosa by December 17, with public hearings wrapping up for the year on December 5. Mchunu, who has been on special leave since October 2025 amid these probes, is indeed scheduled to testify on Tuesday, December 2, at 14:00 in Pretoria. This follows testimony from figures like former Ekurhuleni City Manager Imogen Mashazi on Monday. Recent X posts from South African news outlets, such as MDN News and News Live SA, confirm the timing and highlight the high stakes, with live streams anticipated.
Key Allegations Against Mchunu
Mchunu faces accusations of abusing his position to protect criminal networks, particularly through the abrupt disbandment of the PKTT on December 31, 2024—just hours before the new year. The unit, formed in 2020 to tackle KwaZulu-Natal’s wave of political assassinations (over 200 since 2017), was investigating high-profile cases tied to ANC infighting and alleged cartels. Critics, including Mkhwanazi, argue the closure was politically motivated to shield suspects, citing “structural inefficiencies and resource constraints” as a flimsy pretext. Major General Petronella van Rooyen testified in September 2025 that Mchunu unlawfully overstepped National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola’s authority, potentially derailing 121 active dockets transferred to SAPS head office in March 2025 under the guise of an “audit.”
Central to the claims is Mchunu’s alleged ties to a network involving:
- Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala: A North West businessman and accused “Big Five” cartel member facing charges in state capture cases. Matlala has been linked to funding ANC campaigns and state contracts worth billions. In October 2025 parliamentary hearings at Kgoshi Mampuru Prison, he denied personally knowing Mchunu or bankrolling his “presidential ambitions” but admitted giving money to former Police Minister Bheki Cele on multiple occasions. Matlala claimed influence peddler Brown Mogotsi falsely invoked Mchunu’s name, and that Cele—not Mogotsi—told him Mchunu aspired to the presidency (“He said this one wants to be president. He thinks he can be president of the country”). Earlier commission testimony revealed Matlala boasting of funding Mchunu’s ANC leadership bid and complaining to him about a 2024 police raid on his home.
- Shadrack Sibiya: Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, implicated in sabotaging probes into the same cartels. Sibiya’s role allegedly involved leaking intelligence to protect allies.
- Mary de Haas: A controversial criminologist and self-proclaimed academic (recently exposed for lacking a doctorate despite claims otherwise). She’s accused of advising Mchunu on “restructuring” SAPS units, including the PKTT, under the guise of expertise. De Haas has a history of polarizing commentary on police corruption but is now under scrutiny for potential bias.
- Brown Mogotsi: An ANC-linked North West fixer grilled in November 2025 for advance knowledge of the PKTT disbandment. Texts and testimony show him as a conduit between Mchunu and Matlala, relaying sensitive info like the closure letter (sent from Mchunu’s chief of staff Cedrick Nkabinde’s office at 5:20 PM on December 31, 2024, and leaked online January 2, 2025). Mogotsi denied insider access but admitted to a “comradely” relationship with Mchunu, undermining the minister’s denials of deeper ties.
Mchunu has rejected these as “baseless smears,” insisting the PKTT closure was administrative and that Mogotsi was merely a casual acquaintance. However, evidence like message logs suggests a “direct line” of communication to Matlala, raising questions about influence peddling.
Recent Developments and Matlala’s Testimony
Matlala’s prison appearance last week (late November 2025) before Parliament’s ad hoc committee—running parallel to the Madlanga probe—added intrigue. His denials shifted blame to Cele and Mogotsi, but commission witnesses like “Witness C” (anonymized) recounted Matlala’s arrest claims of ties to Mchunu and ex-National Commissioner Riah Phiyega. Matlala also alleged Mchunu used State Security Agency tools to track his investigators post-raid. This “threw a spanner in the works,” as it partially absolves Mchunu but implicates broader SAPS rot.
Other recent testimonies:
- Lt-Gen. Khosi Senthumule (November 28): Defended the PKTT closure but faced grilling on political sway.
- Major-General Mary Motsepe (November): Detailed docket transfers that stalled probes.
- Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi (ongoing): Reiterated Mchunu’s interference, including advising aides to record calls with him.
What to Expect from Mchunu’s Appearance
Tomorrow’s session could be pivotal, as Mchunu will likely defend his decisions under cross-examination by evidence leaders like Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi. Expect scrutiny on:
- The legality of the PKTT disbandment and its impact on unsolved murders.
- Communications with Mogotsi, Matlala, and de Haas.
- Funding allegations and presidential ambitions.
The commission’s interim report may reference his input, influencing Ramaphosa’s response—potentially leading to formal charges or reforms. Public interest is high, with X buzzing about live coverage and skepticism (e.g., posts calling it a “cold day in hell”). This saga exposes deep fissures in South Africa’s law enforcement, where political loyalty allegedly trumps justice, eroding trust in institutions amid rising violence.