The Madlanga Commission has delivered a shocking interim report revealing prima facie evidence of wrongdoing against suspended Ekurhuleni acting police chief Julius Mkhwanazi and several other officials, exposing deep-rooted corruption and misconduct within the city’s policing and municipal structures.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the findings, received on December 17, and called for urgent action by law enforcement agencies. Speaking on behalf of the presidency, Vincent Magwenya said the report contains multiple referrals to criminal justice institutions, covering serious allegations including corruption, fraud, murder, perjury, and other unlawful conduct.
Those named in the report include Julius Mkhwanazi, Bafana Twala, Aiden McKenzie, Kershia Leigh Stols, Dr Imogen Mashazi, Chris Steyns, Linda Gxasheka, Kemi Behari, and Etienne van der Walt. The commission’s findings link these individuals to misconduct within the South African Police Service (SAPS), the City of Ekurhuleni, and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department.
In addition, the commission has referred several high-ranking police officers to SAPS for further investigation. These include Maj-Gen Lesetja Senona, Maj-Gen Richard Shibiri, Brig Mbangwa Nkhwashu, Brig Rachel Matjeng, and Sgt Fannie Nkosi. For cases already under investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), the commission will seek updates and explanations for any delays, ensuring accountability is enforced.
Magwenya said President Ramaphosa expects law enforcement agencies to act swiftly in implementing the commission’s recommendations. He stressed that prompt action is crucial for restoring public confidence and strengthening the operational capacity of institutions tasked with fighting crime and corruption.
“The president looks forward to the completion of the commission’s work and its role in enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system,” Magwenya added.
The interim findings have sent shockwaves through Ekurhuleni, raising serious questions about governance and integrity in the city’s police and municipal structures. Analysts say the president’s decisive response and the swift follow-up by law enforcement agencies will be pivotal in rebuilding public trust and ensuring that officials implicated in wrongdoing face the full weight of the law.