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The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is probing claims that senior politicians and some police leaders interfered in investigations—especially those handled by the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) in KwaZulu-Natal. President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed the inquiry in July 2025, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, with public hearings in Pretoria that began on 17 September 2025. Early witnesses included KZN commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and national commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola.
What exactly is the Commission?
Formally, it’s the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System. It can subpoena witnesses and documents, hear evidence under oath, and deliver interim and final reports to the Presidency with recommendations (which could include referrals for criminal or disciplinary action). Proceedings are open to the media and public.
Why was it set up?
The trigger was Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s July 2025 allegations that political meddling compromised the PKTT and other sensitive matters. The Presidency established the inquiry to test those claims in public.
Who has testified so far — and what have they said?
- Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi (KZN SAPS): opened the hearings, laying out interference claims and the PKTT’s history.
- Gen Fannie Masemola (National Commissioner): described the creation and controversial dismantling of the PKTT and alleged political meddling in operational decisions.
- Maj-Gen Patronella van Rooyen (SAPS legal/expert): testified that a Police Minister may set policy, but cannot order operational actions like dissolving a task team; she alleged Senzo Mchunu pressured Masemola to scrap the PKTT and that Dep-NatCom Shadrack Sibiya took instructions directly from the Minister — allegations, not findings.
- Elaine Harrison (KZN Director of Public Prosecutions, NPA): told the inquiry that shutting the PKTT was “misguided/counter-productive,” arguing it halted momentum just as results were emerging.
What does the law say about “who’s in charge”?
South Africa’s framework places operational control of SAPS with the National Commissioner, while the Minister sets policy. Van Rooyen’s evidence leans on this distinction to argue that disbanding a task team is an operational call, not a ministerial one. The Commission will weigh this against documents and further testimony.
What will it cost — and why?
President Ramaphosa has defended the R147.8 million budget, saying it is necessary to safeguard the integrity of law-enforcement and to restore public confidence. The spend covers commissioners, evidence leaders and research staff, along with operational support, with timelines for interim and final reports set out by the Presidency.
Why ordinary South Africans should care
Witnesses and analysts have warned that criminal syndicates and political interference risk pushing the justice system “to the brink” if specialist units are sidelined. Clearer boundaries between policy direction and operational command could reshape how SAPS runs task teams, protect sensitive investigations from interference, and improve accountability for decisions that affect public safety.
How to follow the hearings live
- Eyewitness News provides a live stream and a running topic timeline with key quotes and updates.
- eNCA publishes daily previews/recaps and flags pivotal witnesses.
What happens next?
The Commission will continue hearing from policing experts, SAPS commanders and prosecutors. After evidence is tested, Justice Madlanga will submit recommendations to the Presidency — potentially including criminal referrals, disciplinary action, and reforms clarifying SAPS governance and insulating investigations from improper interference.
Quick FAQ
Is this a court? No. It’s an inquiry that gathers evidence and recommends actions; it doesn’t decide guilt.
Are these allegations proven? Not yet. Testimony is under oath, but the Commission must compare it with documents and other witnesses before making findings.
Why was the PKTT important? It focused on politically linked murders in KZN. Several witnesses argue scrapping it stalled progress.
Sources
- eNCA: “Madlanga Commission | New witness expected at inquiry” (25 Sept 2025) — https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/madlanga-commission-new-witness-expected-inquiry
- Eyewitness News: “WATCH LIVE | Day 7 – Madlanga Commission of Inquiry” (26 Sept 2025) — https://www.ewn.co.za/2025/09/26/watch-live-day-7-madlanga-commission-of-inquiry
- Wikipedia: “Madlanga Commission” — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madlanga_Commission
- IOL: “Ramaphosa defends R147.8m expenditure on Madlanga Commission” (25 Sept 2025) — https://iol.co.za/news/politics/2025-09-25-ramaphosa-defends-r147-8-million-expenditure-on-madlanga-commission-of-inquiry/
- IOL: “How Mchunu, Sibiya ‘defied odds’ to protect criminals — SAPS expert explained” (26 Sept 2025) — https://iol.co.za/news/politics/2025-09-26-this-is-how-mchunu-sibiya-defied-odds-to-protect-criminals-saps-expert-explained-madlanga-commission/
- SAPS newsroom statement — https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=61960
Note: Statements marked as “allegations” reflect sworn testimony and are not findings unless confirmed in the Commission’s final report.
