President Cyril Ramaphosa has taken decisive steps following the release of the Madlanga Commission’s interim report, setting in motion criminal investigations, disciplinary processes and the establishment of a special police task team aimed at rooting out alleged criminal networks within South Africa’s law enforcement agencies.
The judicial inquiry was launched on 13 July after explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who claimed that a sophisticated criminal syndicate had infiltrated the police and broader justice system. According to Mkhwanazi, the alleged network was undermining investigations, prosecutions and internal accountability mechanisms.
The commission is chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, with Advocates Sesi Baloyi SC and Sandile Khumalo SC assisting. Its interim report was submitted to the President on 17 December 2025. Ramaphosa has confirmed that he has studied the report in detail and accepted its recommendations in full.
Although the interim report does not make final findings, it carries significant implications. The commission found prima facie evidence suggesting criminal conduct and corruption, prompting immediate referrals for criminal investigation, urgent prosecutorial consideration and internal disciplinary action. The allegations relate to serious offences, including fraud, corruption, perjury and murder.
In a statement issued by the Presidency, it was clarified that several high-profile individuals named during the inquiry are not among those currently facing criminal charges. These include suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, Mchunu’s chief of staff Cedric Nkabinde, as well as Tommy Mthombeni and Brown Mogotsi.
The commission exercised its powers under its terms of reference to recommend suspensions and criminal referrals where appropriate. Clause 7 allows recommendations on the employment status of officials implicated on a prima facie basis, while Clauses 10.4 and 12 permit the commission to refer matters for immediate investigation and prosecution.
Five senior South African Police Service officials have been formally referred for criminal investigation. They are Major Generals Lesetja Senona and Richard Shibiri, Brigadiers Mbangwa Nkhwashu and Rachel Matjeng, and Sergeant Fannie Nkosi.
The inquiry also identified prima facie evidence implicating current and former officials within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department. Those named include suspended EMPD Chief Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi, several EMPD officers and former Ekurhuleni City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi.
The commission indicated that it will seek progress reports and explanations for delays in related investigations, including those handled by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). It stressed that, aside from submissions received from EMPD’s Julius Mkhwanazi, many implicated individuals have yet to respond to the allegations. As such, the findings remain preliminary and do not constitute final determinations of guilt.
Despite this, the commission concluded that the seriousness and scale of the allegations warrant immediate intervention to prevent further damage to the criminal justice system.
In response, Ramaphosa has instructed Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola to establish a dedicated investigations task team. The unit will report directly to Masemola and is expected to fast-track the cases highlighted in the interim report.
“The urgency is non-negotiable,” Ramaphosa said, underscoring the need for swift and visible action to restore public confidence and rebuild the operational capacity of institutions tasked with fighting crime and corruption.
In a statement from the Presidency, Ramaphosa emphasised that all law enforcement and criminal justice agencies are expected to act with speed in implementing the commission’s recommendations, describing immediate action as essential to restoring public trust.
The President also expressed his appreciation to Justice Madlanga, the commissioners and support staff for their work, and confirmed that he is awaiting the commission’s final report. That report is expected to play a significant role in shaping the future integrity and accountability of South Africa’s policing and justice systems.
