‘Much Worse is Coming’: Madlanga Commission Set to Expose Political Interference in SAPS

The Madlanga Commission began this week with a bombshell: KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi painted a picture of alleged political interference that could shake public confidence in South Africa’s police service. Security strategist Andy Mashaile warned that Mkhwanazi may name judges, magistrates, prosecutors, senior police officers, and municipal officials involved in obstructing investigations and manipulating SAPS operations.

Disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team

Central to the commission is the controversial shutdown of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). According to Mkhwanazi, the elite unit, which was on the verge of major arrests in politically sensitive cases, was disbanded for political reasons, not operational efficiency.

“For the minister to isolate the PKTT raises questions,” Mkhwanazi told the commission.

He accused suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of being “fully involved in the syndicate” responsible for various political crimes in KwaZulu-Natal. Mkhwanazi said he repeatedly tried to engage with Mchunu about the PKTT but was ignored.

Internal memos, call logs, and WhatsApp messages are expected to be presented in the coming days to show that the task team’s disbandment was unilaterally ordered, and 121 active dockets were redirected to suspended Deputy National Commissioner Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya, where they were allegedly “neutralised.”

A Wider Network of Alleged Corruption

Mashaile warns the commission could reveal “some of the darkest truths” about political interference in SAPS:

“A lot more worse is going to come out over these four days of testimony… He is going to reveal names of judges, magistrates, prosecutors, police officers, and politicians.”

He cautioned that exposing names of officials sitting on oversight bodies could undermine public trust in parliamentary investigations.

Mashaile also noted that interference is not new.

“Political interference has been ongoing for years. Ministers have used the police to settle scores and even benefit from criminal syndicates. Some have spent time in the luxury estates of known criminals.”

Such actions, he said, compromise the independence and efficiency of SAPS.

What to Expect in the Coming Days

The commission resumes Thursday with Mkhwanazi presenting documents allegedly implicating Mchunu, including internal memos, WhatsApp conversations, call logs, and official directives. The focus will be on:

• Whether the PKTT’s disbandment violated the SAPS Act and the constitutional requirement for policing independence.

• Whether National Commissioner Fannie Masemola was deliberately bypassed in the process.

• The role of Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya in handling the 121 dockets allegedly buried without follow-up.

• Alleged involvement of political associates Vuzimusi “Cat” Matlala and Brown Mogotsi, who Mkhwanazi claims influenced SAPS appointments and deployments.

Mkhwanazi described these alleged actions as “political sabotage of law enforcement,” raising urgent questions about accountability and transparency in South Africa’s policing structures.

Public and Social Media Reaction

News of the testimony has stirred conversations online, with citizens expressing frustration over years of political meddling in law enforcement. Many are calling for full transparency and swift action against those implicated. Analysts say the commission could reshape how South Africans view police oversight, accountability, and the independence of law enforcement agencies.

The Madlanga Commission is now poised to deliver a high-stakes exposé. With witnesses and documents lined up, South Africans are bracing for revelations that could transform the discussion around political influence, corruption, and policing in the country.

{Source: IOL}

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