WATCH | From cartel claims to PKTT fallout: A wrap of Madlanga Commission proceedings

On 17 September this year, the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry commenced at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria.

It was exactly 73 days after the explosive 6 July briefing by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The allegations initially set out by Mkhwanazi painted a bleak picture of what is happening within the criminal justice system, not just across the entire country, but specifically in Gauteng.

Over the course of 45 days, 37 witnesses appeared before the commission. Twenty-eight testified in Phase One, while nine appeared in Phase Two.

At the core of the commission’s work is the instruction by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). This instruction was contested by Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi, as well as National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, who believe the minister did not consult them before issuing the directive.

While this remains one of the central issues, several other serious allegations also emerged.

Businessmen Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and Katiso “KT” Molefe - both implicated in ongoing criminal investigations - had their homes raided on 6 December last year by members of the PKTT. Mkhwanazi believes that because the task team was investigating these two individuals in Gauteng, pressure was subsequently exerted on the unit, leading to the instruction to disband it.

ALSO READ: TOP QUOTES | National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola's first day at the Madlanga Commission

TOP QUOTES | The ‘BIG 5’ has penetrated the political sphere - Crime Intelligence Boss

During the commission’s sittings, several damning allegations were aired. One of the most significant came from Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo, who spoke about what he described as the “Big Five cartel”.

Khumalo testified that this cartel, made up of multiple syndicates, is highly sophisticated, has widespread influence and is involved in a broad range of illicit activities. He further alleged that senior police officials were working with members of the cartel.

Among those named were Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and the head of organised crime, Richard Shibiri.

The commission later shifted focus from SAPS to the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD). Allegations suggested deep-rooted dysfunction within the criminal justice system in Gauteng, including claims that Vusimuzi Matlala had effectively “captured” the EMPD.

It was alleged that Matlala was unlawfully allowed to use blue lights on his private security vehicles, enabling him to operate beyond the reach of the law. Testimony claimed he entered into an unlawful agreement with the EMPD, which was allegedly approved by then Director of Specialised Services, Julius Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi later testified during Phase Two, defending himself against claims that he had acted unlawfully.

He was portrayed as having exercised unchecked authority while serving as acting EMPD head, particularly in relation to the department’s SWAT unit.

ALSO READ: TOP QUOTES | Mkhwanazi's first day at Madlanga Commission

TOP QUOTES | ‘Mchunu’s order to disband PKTT was beyond his authority’ – SAPS Legal Division

One of the most serious allegations involved a 2022 incident in Brakpan, where a civilian allegedly died during an interrogation. Protected witness Marius van der Merwe testified in camera, claiming he was instructed by Mkhwanazi to dispose of the victim’ body by dumping it in a dam or mineshaft.

Van der Merwe was later shot and killed outside his home, raising serious concerns about witness protection and placing further pressure on the ommission and the broader criminal justice system.

Another key witness in Phase Two was suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who maintained that his decision to disband the PKTT in December was correct. He argued that the task team was not a permanent structure and had fulfilled its mandate, meaning its members should return to their original units.

However, under questioning by Commission Chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga and his fellow commissioners, Mchunu conceded that the decision was flawed, particularly because it was taken without consulting the National Police Commissioner or KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner.

Businessman Brown Mogotsi, a highly controversial figure from the North West, also testified. He made some of the most extraordinary claims heard by the commission, alleging that Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi, as well as King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, were working for the United States’ Central Intelligence Agency.

These allegations were not supported by evidence and Mogotsi’s testimony was criticised for its lack of corroboration.

On 17 December, an interim report was submitted to President Cyril Ramaphosa. The commission is expected to resume in mid-January for a further three months.

Phase Three will allow witnesses from Phase One to return and respond to allegations made against them during Phase Two. The commission is expected to conclude around May next year, after which a six-month report - including recommendations - will be submitted to the President.