JMPD internal affairs head testifies as Madlanga Commission probes bribery and gemstone theft

Superintendent Elmarie de Beer, head of internal affairs at the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, gave evidence at the Madlanga Commission on Tuesday as the inquiry examined allegations of bribery and other serious misconduct involving JMPD officers.

Who testified and what the commission is examining

According to IOL, Elmarie de Beer is testifying at the Madlanga Commission on claims of bribery and corruption involving JMPD officers. The commission is examining suspected traffic bribery, an alleged multimillion-rand gemstone theft and claims that a murder suspect with suspected cartel links was protected.

Evidence leaders and scope

According to IOL, advocates Thabang Pooe and Lee Segeels-Ncubu are the evidence leaders at the commission. The hearings resumed after a two-week recess.

Allegations involving a K9 officer

IOL reports that K9 officer Johannes Makgatle has been implicated in evidence before the commission. He was accused of assisting Katiso “KT” Molefe, being on sick leave while allegedly present at Molefe’s home during an arrest operation, using a JMPD vehicle without authorisation while off duty, and attempting to interfere with investigators. The JMPD subsequently moved to charge him, according to IOL.

Alleged R14.9 million gemstone theft

According to IOL, another case under examination concerns the alleged theft of gemstones worth R14.9 million from a Killarney flat in 2023.

Ongoing inquiry

The Madlanga Commission continues to hear evidence related to alleged infiltration and corruption within the JMPD, with testimony from internal affairs officials and other witnesses forming part of the record, according to IOL.