The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has designated Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya, a former head of the Hawks national unit, as a significant witness who is required to testify before the commission, according to chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.
The long-standing accusations of influence in South Africa’s political killings investigations prompted the establishment of the panel. The commission’s inquiry advanced significantly this week. For weeks, Hawks members have testified in detail before the panel, claiming that internal interference put key investigations at risk, delayed charges, and, in some cases, diverted attention away from powerful political figures.
Testimonies from those who were there claim that higher-ups in the organisation failed to notice or hide crucial evidence, moved investigators around for no apparent reason, and stymied promising leads. Task force morale was “systematically broken down” according to several officers who reported receiving threats, unexplained transfers, and pressure to abandon politically sensitive investigations.
From his position as chief of the Hawks until 2024, Lebeya oversaw the investigation of political violence. Concurrent with his leadership, the state made a commitment to reduce politically motivated killings; nevertheless, many of his critics contend that this commitment was never fully kept.
Justice Madlanga has stated that Lebeya must testify in order to shed light on the command decisions taken during his tenure, namely those pertaining to the allocation of resources, interventions by leadership, and directives from above that could have affected the task force’s independence.
The commission’s emphasis on political killings—commonly linked to intra-party conflicts, candidates for public office, and control of lucrative state contracts—has revived claims that investigative bodies have been directed to shield politically connected individuals.
According to experts, the probe might have a significant impact on the credibility of law enforcement as well as political parties that are believed to benefit from a biassed criminal justice system.
By threatening to legally subpoena Lebeya if necessary, Justice Madlanga has made it plain that the commission is dedicated to creating an accurate and comprehensive record of events, regardless of rank or past position. Over the following few weeks, senior command staff and operational detectives are expected to provide further evidence to the probe.
Additional prominent witnesses will undoubtedly be called by authorities as they continue to probe the alleged pattern of obstruction. The findings have the potential to shed light on systemic issues within the elite investigation section of the police and change the way law enforcement is held accountable. Political assassinations, which have been especially prevalent at the provincial and municipal levels, remain a problem in South Africa.
