The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has once again exposed tensions within the South African Police Service (SAPS). On Tuesday, Major-General Petronella van Rooyen testified that the deputy national commissioner does not have the authority to instruct the movement of case dockets without first engaging the provincial commissioner.
Van Rooyen explained that such actions undermine the chain of command and weaken the authority of provincial commissioners tasked with managing policing in their regions. “The provincial commissioner is entrusted with oversight of cases within the province. When dockets are moved without consultation, it strips the office of its power and creates disorder,” she told the commission.
The testimony adds to a growing list of revelations about internal conflicts and blurred lines of authority in SAPS, with several senior officials raising concerns over irregular practices. Critics argue that the practice of bypassing provincial commissioners has enabled political interference and compromised the independence of police investigations.
The Madlanga Commission, appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, has been tasked with uncovering allegations of corruption, misconduct, and political influence within the police service. Van Rooyen’s remarks highlight systemic issues that many say are at the heart of the country’s ongoing policing crisis.
As the inquiry continues, the spotlight remains firmly on how deep-rooted structural weaknesses in SAPS have allowed mistrust, inefficiency, and allegations of corruption to thrive.