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President reviews explosive police corruption report
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is examining an interim report from a commission investigating allegations of organized crime infiltrating the national police force. The probe follows explosive claims by senior officers linking high-ranking officials to criminal networks.
Key allegations surface in public inquiries
Two parallel investigations-the Madlanga Commission and a parliamentary panel-have uncovered accusations of a drug cartel with political ties operating within South Africa. Testimonies allege the group, dubbed the "Big Five," has compromised law enforcement and judicial processes.
Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, KwaZulu-Natal's police chief, sparked the probe in July by claiming Police Minister Senzo Mchunu had connections to crime syndicates. Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of dismantling an elite unit investigating political assassinations to protect these ties. Mchunu, a close ally of Ramaphosa, denies wrongdoing and remains on special leave.
Drug cartel's political reach exposed
Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, head of police crime intelligence, testified that the Big Five cartel traffics narcotics, orders contract killings, and manipulates investigations. He named controversial businessman Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala-currently facing 25 criminal charges, including attempted murder-as one of its leaders.
Khumalo alleged the cartel influenced the shutdown of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), believing it was targeting them. "The Big Five has penetrated the political sphere," he told the commission, citing "documented cases of high-profile connections."
Minister's ties to accused businessman scrutinized
Mkhwanazi presented text messages and payment records allegedly linking Mchunu to Matlala, who funded the minister's "political endeavors." Mchunu denied the claims, stating, "I have never been accused of corruption, not once."
Matlala, testifying before parliament, admitted donating to ANC activities but denied personal relationships with officials. He claimed former Police Minister Bheki Cele demanded a 1 million rand ($60,000) "facilitation fee" to halt police harassment-a charge Cele denies.
Witness murder raises fears of retaliation
Marius van der Merwe, a former police officer turned whistleblower, was gunned down in front of his family in December, three weeks after testifying. He had implicated officials in the alleged disposal of a torture victim's body. No arrests have been made, though police identified three persons of interest.
"The targeting of whistleblowers has become common in South Africa," said Human Rights Watch, noting risks of retaliation and violence.
Van der Merwe had refused witness protection after his testimony. His death underscores broader concerns about impunity for crimes linked to the inquiries.
Timeline and next steps
The Madlanga Commission's interim report remains confidential, with a final version expected in 2026. The probe operates in three phases: witness testimonies, responses from implicated parties, and clarifications. Parliament's inquiry is also set to resume next year.
Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, stated the president will act on "national security-sensitive" findings privately. Critics question whether the reports will spur meaningful reforms in the police force.
