Madlanga commission set to probe JMPD over procurement and corruption concerns

JMPD next on the commission’s list

The commission’s spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, confirmed that the JMPD is the next metro police service the inquiry will consider.

“The JMPD is an area that we haven’t formally touched on yet in the proceedings, and we will be getting there. There are quite a number of areas in the terms of reference that the commission must still hear,”

Michaels said.

What the terms of reference require

The Madlanga Commission’s terms of reference require that all three metro police departments in Gauteng be thoroughly scrutinised. The investigation is considering whether criminal syndicates, including but not limited to drug cartels, have infiltrated these departments.

Findings so far and related actions

The commission has already examined the Tshwane and Ekurhuleni metro police departments in detail, where evidence of tender fraud and collusion with alleged criminals was revealed. The commission’s first interim report found that Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) top cop Julius Mkhwanazi had a case to answer.

In addition, the commission has heard that the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) Deputy Commissioner, Umashi Dhlamini, was recently placed on suspension.

Scope still to be covered

Beyond the metro police departments, the commission has yet to examine other institutions named in its terms of reference, including the judiciary, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the State Security Agency (SSA).

What to watch for

• Formal hearings on the JMPD to begin as the commission progresses through its terms of reference.
• Further findings or interim reports that may identify individuals or systemic issues within the JMPD.

The Madlanga Commission continues to investigate the extent to which organised criminal activity may have penetrated Gauteng’s metro police services.