Madlanga Commission: Cartels have infiltrated politics and police - warns Dr Chris de Kock (independent crime analyst)

Thabo Shole-Mashao (standing in for 702's Clement Manyathela) chats to independent crime and violence analyst, Dr Chris de Kock.

Listen to their conversation in the audio clip below:

"The only thing that I am worried about is that this may only be one of many, many, many cartels."

- Dr Chris de Kock, independent crime and violence analyst

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has heard startling revelations from the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence head, Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, who testified about a highly sophisticated criminal syndicate known as the “Big Five.”

According to Khumalo, this cartel has deeply infiltrated both the criminal justice system and political structures, monopolising state procurement and operating like a legitimate business enterprise. 

He revealed that the group is led by five powerful individuals with significant political and financial influence.

De Kock describes the testimony as significant, noting that organised crime in South Africa is far more entrenched than many believe. 

"It seems organised crime is rife...it has lots of money."

- Dr Chris de Kock, independent crime and violence analyst

He warns that the “Big Five” may be just one of many such syndicates operating across sectors, with some already implicated in major cases, such as the multi-billion-rand Tembisa Hospital tender scandal. 

De Kock highlights how organised crime thrives on corruption and often blends legal business practices with criminal operations to evade detection.

"It's a mix of real legitimate business on the one hand and on the other hand criminal activity - that's one of the characteristics of organised crime...another characteristic is corruption, they must corrupt at all levels because that's how they can operate...and especially if they are close to tenders...and then you have to be very close to powerful figures."

- Dr Chris de Kock, independent crime and violence analyst

He also points to internal weaknesses in the police and intelligence services (particularly a lack of patriotism, materialism among officers, and political factionalism) as key enablers of criminal infiltration. 

Despite this, he insists that not all is lost, suggesting that many within crime intelligence remain committed to fighting corruption. 

As more WhatsApp evidence and closed-door testimony emerge, the Commission is expected to uncover deeper links between senior officials, businesspeople, and organised crime.

ALSO READ: Madlanga Commission findings not legally binding, but will carry significant weight - Jeremy Michaels, spokesperson

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