KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has dropped fresh bombshells at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, accusing two senior cabinet ministers — Police Minister Bheki Cele and Public Service and Administration Minister Senzo Mchunu — of political interference in police operations.
Mkhwanazi told the commission that in December 2024, a directive was issued to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) in KwaZulu-Natal. He alleged the decision was politically motivated and linked to pressure from senior figures, including Minister Mchunu.
He further presented evidence linking Mchunu to businessmen Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala and Brown Mogotsi, claiming they played a role in influencing police deployments and decisions. “Matlala funded political events linked to Minister Mchunu, while Mogotsi relayed instructions that had direct consequences for police operations,” Mkhwanazi said.
Turning to Minister Cele, the commissioner alleged that Cele had interfered in sensitive cases by bypassing the police chain of command. Mkhwanazi testified that Cele had directly engaged district commissioners instead of routing communication through either the National Commissioner or provincial heads, which he said compromised proper investigations.
“Ministers have no business issuing operational instructions to officers. Their involvement undermines the chain of command and weakens investigations,” Mkhwanazi told the inquiry.
The Madlanga Commission, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2025, is probing claims of criminal capture, corruption, and political meddling across the criminal justice system.
Both Cele and Mchunu are yet to respond formally to the allegations.