The commission found preliminary evidence implicating current and former officials of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and the Metro Police, including suspended EMPD Chief Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi. The Madlanga Commission has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s urgent directives to establish a special police task team and fast-track criminal investigations into senior law-enforcement officers and municipal officials implicated in corruption and misconduct. Others, however, contend that it is hard to overlook the fact that, as of right now, no politician has been identified or held directly responsible.
Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is appearing before the Madlanga Commission. This follows Ramaphosa’s acceptance of its interim recommendations, which triggered criminal referrals, possible suspensions, and heightened oversight of stalled investigations involving senior figures in the SAPS and the City of Ekurhuleni. Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said the president’s response demonstrated political will and urgency but stressed that the interim report submitted to Ramaphosa does not amount to final findings.“ The commission has not made findings,” Michaels said.
“The report contains recommendations based on prima facie evidence. Those implicated will be allowed to appear before the commission to respond to the allegations and present their version.” Ramaphosa established the inquiry on July 13 following allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Testimony delivered before the Madlanga Commission has linked suspended Deputy Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, to criminal syndicates. Mkhwanazi claimed a sophisticated criminal syndicate had infiltrated law enforcement and justice institutions, compromising investigations, prosecutions, and internal accountability.
