The judicial commission investigating allegations of political interference in police operations has begun its work, with its first witness interviews scheduled imminently, chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga announced Monday.
The acting deputy chief justice told journalists in Sandton that while KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi – whose explosive allegations triggered the inquiry – will be consulted early, he may not necessarily be the first witness called.
“The terms of reference mention Mkhwanazi repeatedly, but we can’t commit to him testifying first,” Madlanga said, adding that the commission is finalizing a Gauteng venue ahead of August hearings.
The probe will examine Mkhwanazi’s claims that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Crime Detection Deputy Commissioner Gen Shadrack Sibiya colluded with criminal syndicates. Both officials have been placed on leave pending investigation.
According to the allegations, the officials allegedly worked with Gauteng-based drug networks to dismantle an effective political task team. The commission’s scope extends to examining metropolitan police departments in Tshwane, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni, as well as the NPA and SABC.
Madlanga emphasized the urgency of the matter, with an interim report due to President Ramaphosa within three months. The findings could have significant implications for South Africa’s criminal justice leadership amid ongoing concerns about political influence in law enforcement.
The commission’s work comes as separate investigations continue into misconduct allegations against Mkhwanazi himself, creating a complex web of accountability challenges within the police service.