By Nokwanda Ncwane
Following recommendations by the Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed the formation of a special investigations task team to probe allegations of criminality involving senior South African Police Service (SAPS) officers and officials linked to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.
The move follows the release of the interim report by the Commission, which found prima facie evidence of wrongdoing by several individuals in law enforcement and local government.
The Commission was established in July 2025 after explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that a sophisticated criminal syndicate had infiltrated parts of South Africa’s criminal justice system.
MADLANGA COMMISSION REFERS SENIOR SAPS, EKURHULENI OFFICIALS FOR INVESTIGATION
The Commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga and assisted by advocates Sesi Baloyi SC and Sandile Khumalo SC, submitted its interim report in December 2025.
After studying the findings, Ramaphosa accepted the Commission’s recommendations, including immediate criminal investigations and urgent decisions regarding possible suspensions and disciplinary action.
Among those referred for investigation within SAPS are majors-general Lesetja Senona and Richard Shibiri, brigadiers Mbangwa Nkhwashu and Rachel Matjeng, and Sergeant Fannie Nkosi.
The Madlanga Commission also identified prima facie evidence of wrongdoing involving current and former Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality officials, including suspended EMPD Chief Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi, several metro police officers, former city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi, senior human resources and legal officials, as well as other municipal employees.
The allegations range from corruption and fraud to murder, perjury and other serious criminal conduct.
