South Africa's Police Corruption and Organized Crime Inquiries
South Africa is currently conducting two public inquiries into allegations of corruption and political interference within its police force. One commission was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa and is led by retired Constitutional Court Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga. Its formation followed claims made in July by Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, head of police in KwaZulu-Natal province, that organized crime groups had infiltrated the government.
Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi alleged that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu had ties to crime figures and was responsible for closing an elite unit investigating political murders. Minister Mchunu, a senior member of the African National Congress (ANC) and an ally of President Ramaphosa, denies any wrongdoing and has been placed on special leave. A separate parliamentary panel in Cape Town is also investigating these matters. During his September testimony as the first witness for the Madlanga Commission, Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi characterized the situation as "terrorism," stating it involved individuals aiming to gain government control through criminal activities.
Allegations of the 'Big Five Cartel'
During the initial month of Madlanga Commission hearings, Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, head of police crime intelligence, testified about an alleged drug trafficking cartel. Khumalo referred to this group as the "Big Five," claiming it operated across multiple provinces and had "penetrated the political sphere." He identified Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala as one of the alleged five leaders.
Mr. Matlala faces 25 criminal charges, including attempted murder, arising from three incidents between 2022 and 2024. He denies all charges. Lt-Gen Khumalo alleged that the "Big Five" led a network with significant national and international influence, primarily engaged in narcotics, but also conducting contract killings linked to drug trafficking, cross-border hijackings, and kidnappings. Khumalo stated that this alleged cartel maintained connections within the country's criminal justice system, enabling them to "manipulate investigations, suppress evidence [and] obstruct legal proceedings." He further claimed this group was allegedly responsible for disbanding the political killings task team (PKTT), active in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, based on the cartel's belief that the PKTT was investigating them. Khumalo alleged the "Big Five" had documented high-profile political connections. Another anonymous witness, "Witness C," a former PKTT member, also mentioned the "Big Five Cartel" and alleged its "full control and oversight" across government departments.
Focus on Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala
Allegations against suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu include a close relationship with Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala. Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi testified at the Madlanga Commission, reiterating earlier claims that Mchunu was indirectly receiving financial support from Matlala for his "political endeavours." Mkhwanazi presented copies of text messages and an alleged payment facilitated by a third party as evidence. Minister Mchunu, during his appearance at the Madlanga Commission, denied these allegations, stating he had "never been accused of corruption" prior to this inquiry.
Mr. Matlala previously held a contract with the police that was terminated after he was charged with attempted murder in May. His criminal history includes a 2001 conviction for possession of stolen goods. He has faced arrests for alleged house robberies, cash-in-transit heists, and assault over the years, but charges were either withdrawn or he was acquitted.
Testifying at the parliamentary inquiry with ankle restraints due to his custody status, Mr. Matlala stated he had registered his first security business in 2017. He described his relationships with current and former ministers and top police officials. While denying personal acquaintance with all senior police officers and politicians, he admitted to making payments for ANC-related activities. Mr. Matlala told MPs that Minister Mchunu allegedly used a third party to solicit "donations," and he was one of the donors.
Mr. Matlala also alleged that former Police Minister Bheki Cele had demanded a "facilitation fee" of 1 million rand (approximately $60,000; £45,000) to stop police harassment after firearms seized from Matlala were returned, and that he paid half of this amount. Minister Cele, who testified before Matlala, admitted to knowing Matlala for several months and staying at his penthouse on two occasions, which he termed "freebies." Cele denied receiving money from Matlala. Mr. Matlala is scheduled to appear before the Madlanga Commission next year.
"Witness C" at the Madlanga Commission alleged that Mr. Matlala had "close relationships with senior [police] officials" and detailed these relationships following Matlala's arrest in May. The witness also alleged Matlala contributed funds towards the suspended police minister's presidential ambitions within the ANC.
Murder of a Commission Witness
In early December, Marius van der Merwe, identified as "Witness D" during his testimony at the Madlanga Commission, was murdered three weeks after giving evidence. The connection between his death and testimony remains unconfirmed. Mr. Van der Merwe, a former police officer who operated a private security company, was shot at his home while waiting for his front gate to open, in the presence of his family.
Police have identified three persons of interest, but no arrests have been made, and the motive is unclear. Authorities confirmed his identity posthumously. During his testimony before Judge Madlanga, Van der Merwe implicated officials, including Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi (unrelated to Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi), who served as acting police chief for an area including parts of Johannesburg. Van der Merwe claimed Brig Mkhwanazi ordered him to dispose of the body of a man accused of robbery, who had allegedly been tortured and killed by police officials. Van der Merwe stated he "felt like I was being forced." Brig Mkhwanazi denied any involvement in the case or the alleged body disposal, stating he had been at the crime scene for a brief period.
Authorities disclosed that Mr. Van der Merwe had declined witness protection following his testimony.
Current Status of the Inquiries
President Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, stated that Judge Madlanga's interim report would not be released publicly, as it is considered "half-baked." The final report, anticipated next year, will be made public, with the commissioner advising the president on the management of national security-sensitive information.
The Madlanga Commission is structured in three phases:
- Witnesses present allegations (completed).
- Implicated individuals respond to allegations (ongoing).
- Witnesses from phase one are recalled for clarification or additions.
The commission was initially given six months to conclude its work and submit a final report, with possible extensions as determined by the president. The parliamentary inquiry's duration is unspecified but is expected to resume hearings. The findings and recommendations from both inquiries are anticipated next year.