Madlanga Commission: IPID bigwig outlines challenges when probing crimes against police

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID)’s director of investigation and current acting national head, Thuso Keefelakae, is outlining some of the challenges they face when investigating crimes against police.

Keefelakae is testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria on Wednesday.

He started off his testimony detailing their role as the police watchdog, highlighting shortfalls in resources and manpower.

Keefelakae’s testimony is expected to give key insights into specific murder cases in the City of Ekurhuleni involving members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).

Last week, IPID announced it had finalised its investigation into the 2022 murder of Emmanuel Mbhense, who was allegedly tortured and beaten to death by members of an EMPD rogue unit.

Briefing the Madlanga commissioners and evidence leaders, Keefelakae identifies just one of the many issues they have to deal with in carrying out their mandate.

“IPID does not have experts to collect certain evidence. Hence, we would then rely on the SAPS [South African Police Service] to collect such on our behalf.”

He said that while they are governed under the IPID Act in performing their duties, there remain issues of pushback and political meddling in their affairs.

“But then it’s surprising that there are those who seem to be immune, and you also observe some kind of political interference, if I had to put it.”