Ramaphosa Establishes Judicial Commission to Investigate Corruption in South African Police Service

Strategic Insights -

President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement of a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate corruption allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has sent shockwaves through the South African Police Service. The commission, led by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, will investigate claims of criminal networks infiltrating law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and the justice system. Ramaphosa's move comes on the heels of Mkhwanazi's allegations that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu interfered in criminal investigations and protected corrupt networks within law enforcement.

Key Takeaways:

  • A judicial commission of inquiry will be established to investigate corruption allegations made by Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
  • The commission, led by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, will investigate claims of criminal networks infiltrating law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and the justice system.
  • The commission will focus on the facilitation of organised crime, manipulation of investigations, and targeting of whistleblowers and officials.
  • Areas of investigation will include the South African Police Service (SAPS), the National Prosecuting Authority, the State Security Agency, the judiciary, and metro police departments in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and Tshwane.
  • Mkhwanazi alleged that Mchunu disbanded the Political Killings Task Team in KwaZulu-Natal in March, effectively shutting down 121 active dockets linked to politically motivated murders.
  • The commission will consider prima facie evidence relating to the involvement of individuals currently employed within law enforcement or intelligence agencies.
  • The commission will have the power to refer matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution.
  • The final report of the commission will be sent to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice.

Statistics:

  • 121 dockets linked to politically motivated murders were shut down by Mchunu's decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team in KwaZulu-Natal.
  • R360 million was awarded to businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala for a SAPS contract that has since been cancelled.
  • The Zondo Commission Report into State Capture has been gathering dust for years, with many of those implicated evading justice.

Sources:

  • "President Ramaphosa holds meeting with the leadership of the National Inter-Faith Council on Theology and Ethics," Presidency of the Republic of South Africa (No date provided)
  • "Commission to Investigate KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner’s allegations against Senzo Mchunu," The Presidency (2023-07-20)
  • "ActionSA MP questions Ramaphosa's delay in confronting SAPS corruption," The Citizen (2023-07-20)
  • "GOOD reacts to President Ramaphosa's announcement of another commission of inquiry," GOOD (2023-07-20)