Madlanga Commission | A wrap of KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's 3 day testimony

From alleged political interference to syndicate-linked corruption, KZN Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi detailed a series of claims implicating high-profile officials, business figures and even journalists.

WRAP UP | DAY 1 of Madlanga Commission

The Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry convened at the Bridgette Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria. KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi took the stand, largely rehashing testimony he previously made public on 6 July.

What stood out on the first day was Mkhwanazi’s insistence that disbanding the task team was the wrong decision. He alleged that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who has since been placed on special leave, was advised by individuals he claims are part of a criminal syndicate operating in Gauteng. Mkhwanazi said he has proof to present to the commission to substantiate his claims.

The commission is expected to continue for weeks or even months, with testimony from Mkhwanazi and other witnesses. 

The inquiry will proceed in three phases:

Phase One: Testimony from Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, revisiting allegations he made on 6 July.

Phase Two: Testimony from other implicated figures, including Senzo Mchunu and Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya.

Phase Three: Mkhwanazi returns to respond to any new allegations arising from Phase Two.

WRAP UP | DAY 2 of Madlanga Commission

Mkhwanazi continued to recap earlier testimony, updating the commission on developments. Towards the end of the day, several names were mentioned for the first time, including two Members of Parliament: Fadiel Adams of the Natal Coloured Congress and DA’s Dianne Kohler Barnard.

Mkhwanazi alleged that Fadiel Adams obtained classified crime intelligence information and made it public rather than reporting it to the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence. Adams allegedly opened cases against those implicated in the intelligence report, including Crime Intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo.

New names also included JMPD Officer Johannes Makgatle, described as a close associate of businessman-turned-underworld figure Katiso 'KT' Molefe. Mkhwanazi claimed Makgatle used the license plate recognition system of JMPD vehicles to track police activity outside Molefe’s home and allegedly renewed Molefe’s licenses in exchange for money.

Another figure mentioned was North West businessman Suleiman Kareem. Mkhwanazi alleged that Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala contacted Kareem to use his influence with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to prevent the cancellation of Matlala’s R360 million police contract, central to a major investigation.

MKHWANAZI CONCLUDES | DAY 3 of Madlanga Commission

Day three featured some of the most explosive revelations. Mkhwanazi named several high-profile figures, including former Police Minister Bheki Cele, alleging he interfered in disciplinary processes against the Crime Intelligence Head of Counterintelligence and Major General Feroz Khan. Cele reportedly tried to have the officer assigned to the disciplinary process resign to avoid overseeing the case.

Mkhwanazi also alleged presidential interference. In 2021, a task team assigned to investigate high-profile murders linked to Richards Bay Minerals was redeployed due to complaints from the presidency, despite ongoing investigations.

He revisited allegations from the Richard Mdluli era, claiming political interference in Crime Intelligence matters in 2011. Mkhwanazi said former Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa pressured the Inspector General of Intelligence, Faith Radebe, to initiate and then withdraw prosecution against Mdluli.

Mkhwanazi also accused certain journalists of advancing specific agendas that benefit criminal syndicates, painting a concerning picture of media collusion with the so-called drug squad.

While his testimony concluded for now, Mkhwanazi is expected to return to provide further evidence, present proof for his claims and respond to allegations from upcoming witnesses.