The long-awaited Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system opened in Pretoria on Wednesday with dramatic testimony from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi, who has served in the South African Police Service (SAPS) for decades, became the first senior witness to take the stand before Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. His evidence set the tone for what promises to be one of the most consequential inquiries into policing and governance since the Zondo Commission.
The commission, appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in August following mounting allegations of political meddling and the infiltration of crime syndicates in law enforcement, has been tasked to report within six months.
Mkhwanazi revisits bombshell allegations
In July 2025, Mkhwanazi made headlines when he convened a press briefing alleging that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and General Shadrack Sibiya had interfered in sensitive investigations, including those into political killings. His explosive claims triggered Ramaphosa’s move to suspend the officials and establish the Madlanga Commission.
On Wednesday, Mkhwanazi revisited those allegations under oath, while also explaining the origins and operations of the “political killings task team” that has been active in KwaZulu-Natal and, more recently, the Eastern Cape.
“Commissioner, the political killing Stars team is referred to all the time as political killing Stars team,” Mkhwanazi told the commission. “It was established by the National Commissioner, approved for KwaZulu-Natal, and supported by the IMC. You will see the success rate that they achieved, which then caused a problem for themselves. The state president received complaints about incidents at Fort Hare University in the Eastern Cape, where there were challenges in investigations. A direction was given that this team must also take responsibility for those cases. That is how they landed in the Eastern Cape.”
Mkhwanazi’s testimony painted a picture of a highly effective but overstretched unit, one that became a victim of its own success as it was increasingly burdened with politically sensitive investigations.
Multidisciplinary policing approach
Under questioning from Evidence Leader Advocate Mahlape Sello, who is assisting Justice Madlanga, Mkhwanazi provided granular detail about the special operational methodology behind the task team.
“This approach and the concept we adopted is a tried and tested operational methodology,” Mkhwanazi explained. “It includes intelligence, operational and investigative capabilities under one central command. Ordinarily, you would have detectives, forensic experts and intelligence officers working separately. We bring them together in a multidisciplinary team, with joint coordination, so the work is done with speed and efficiency.”
He elaborated that the model allowed investigators to access forensic services and intelligence resources directly, instead of being bogged down in bureaucratic processes. Crucially, prosecutors were involved from the outset to ensure cases were trial-ready.
“This coordination was the emphasis of our strategy,” Mkhwanazi said. “It allowed us to structure the work properly, speed up investigations, and ensure prosecutors guided the process so that cases did not collapse later.”
Evidence leader stresses urgency
Evidence leader Advocate Terry Motau SC underscored the gravity of the commission’s work, saying it could not afford delays given the scale of allegations.
“It should not escape us that if these allegations are true, they will erode and damage public trust in these vital institutions,” Motau warned. “The criminal justice system continues to cooperate, but delays will not assist in restoring confidence. That is why the commission is geared to produce a draft report within the first three months, and finalise the balance within the six-month period prescribed by the President.”
Motau added that the inquiry’s terms of reference were designed to ensure not only truth-finding but also accountability.
Political interference in focus
While Mkhwanazi refrained from naming fresh political figures during Wednesday’s session, his earlier claims about Minister Mchunu and General Sibiya loom large. The commission is expected to recall him for further evidence on those allegations and to interrogate documentary records, including directives issued to the political killings task team.
Analysts say this could open the door to a wide-ranging examination of how politicians and senior officials may have compromised SAPS operations for factional or corrupt ends.
Public reaction and analysis
The first day of the hearings has already attracted public attention, with many South Africans watching closely to see whether the commission can succeed where others have faltered.
Political analyst Sandile Swana, speaking in an interview with SABC News after the morning session, said Mkhwanazi’s testimony revealed a disciplined officer who commands respect.
“He comes across as competent and well-trained, and his composure inspires confidence,” Swana noted. “But more importantly, he has shown that within SAPS, there are models of efficiency that can be replicated. The problem has been political interference and systemic corruption.”
What lies ahead
Justice Madlanga is expected to hear further evidence this week from members of the task team as well as officials from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). Testimony from whistleblowers and civil society organisations is also on the cards.
For now, Mkhwanazi’s evidence has set the stage for a potentially explosive inquiry that could reshape the public’s understanding of the extent of political interference in South Africa’s criminal justice system.
The nation waits to see whether the commission can deliver not just clarity but also accountability in a sector that has long been plagued by distrust.
