Madlanga Commission to probe alleged KZN police ‘hit squads’ targeting CIT, taxis and drug syndicates

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry will focus this week on allegations that members of the South African Police Service in KwaZulu-Natal operated ‘hit squads’ that carried out organised killings while posing as a crime‑fighting unit. According to IOL, the commission resumes a new phase on Wednesday that will examine claims of extrajudicial killings linked to police activity.

Allegations and what the commission will examine

According to IOL, commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said the groups under scrutiny “allegedly target suspects in cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies, as well as taxi operators and drug syndicates under the guise of a Task Team.”

The inquiry will hear evidence probing whether killings were carried out by police members operating outside the law, whether those operations were authorised, and whether they were concealed behind legitimate crime‑fighting activity, IOL reports.

Proceedings to resume

IOL reports the commission is scheduled to resume on Wednesday, with the first witness in this line of inquiry expected when proceedings resume at 9.30am. The testimony could open a new chapter in the commission’s probe of serious organised crime and alleged police misconduct.

Context in KwaZulu‑Natal

According to IOL, the allegations come against a backdrop of KwaZulu‑Natal’s long history of politically linked and organised killings, including assassinations of political figures, taxi violence and other targeted murders. The province has repeatedly faced scrutiny over networks allegedly connecting criminal interests, political power and violence.

Previous evidence heard by the commission

IOL says the commission has already received testimony and evidence concerning alleged corruption, criminal networks and abuses of authority within law‑enforcement structures matters the latest phase is expected to test further.

“These ‘hit squads’ allegedly target suspects in cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies, as well as taxi operators and drug syndicates under the guise of a Task Team,” Michaels said.

Claims in this article are attributed to IOL.