Top cops to be charged as Ramaphosa accepts Madlanga corruption findings

President Cyril Ramaphosa has accepted sweeping recommendations by the Madlanga Commission, triggering urgent criminal referrals, potential suspensions, and the formation of a special police task team to deal with rogue elements.

Ramaphosa established the inquiry on July 13 following allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi claimed a sophisticated criminal syndicate had infiltrated law enforcement and justice institutions, compromising investigations, prosecutions, and internal accountability.

Chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga and supported by Advocates Sesi Baloyi SC and Sandile Khumalo SC, the commission submitted its interim report on December 17, 2025.

The President has now confirmed he has studied the report in full and accepted its recommendations.

The interim findings stop short of final conclusions but carry serious weight.

The commission identified prima facie evidence of criminal conduct and corruption, prompting immediate referrals for criminal investigation, urgent prosecutorial decisions, and disciplinary action.

The allegations span crimes including fraud, corruption, perjury and murder.

However, in a statement by the Presidency, implicated people including the suspended Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, suspended deputy police commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya, Mchunu’s chief of staff, Cedric Nkabinde, Tommy Mthombeni and Brown Mogotsi are not on the list of those who should face criminal charges. 

In line with its mandate, the commission invoked powers under its terms of reference to recommend suspensions and referrals.

Clause 7 authorises recommendations on the employment status of officials implicated on a prima facie basis, while Clauses 10.4 and 12 empower the Commission to refer matters for immediate investigation and prosecution.

The referrals include five senior South African Police Service officials: Major Generals Lesetja Senona and Richard Shibiri, Brigadiers Mbangwa Nkhwashu and Rachel Matjeng, and Sergeant Fannie Nkosi.

The commission also found prima facie evidence implicating current and former officials of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department.

Among them are suspended EMPD Chief Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi, several EMPD officers, former Ekurhuleni City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi, and senior officials responsible for fleet management, human resources and legal services.

Where investigations are already under way, including at the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), the commission will demand updates and explanations for delays.

Crucially, the commission stressed that, except for EMPD’s Mkhwanazi, it has not yet heard responses from several implicated individuals.

The allegations therefore remain preliminary and are not formal findings.

Even so, the Commission concluded the gravity of the claims justifies immediate action.

Ramaphosa has directed Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola to establish a special investigations task team, reporting directly to Masemola, to fast-track the cases flagged in the report.

“The urgency is non-negotiable,” the president said, arguing that swift implementation is essential to restore public trust and rebuild operational capacity in institutions tasked with fighting crime and corruption.

“President Ramaphosa expects all law enforcement agencies and other relevant criminal justice institutions to act with speed in implementing the recommendations of the Commission’s interim report.

“Such immediate action will help to restore public trust and strengthen operational capacity in the affected state entities tasked with fighting crime and corruption,” the presidency said in a statement.

Ramaphosa thanked Justice Madlanga, the commissioners and staff for their work.

The president further added that he was awaiting the commission’s final report, which is expected to shape the future integrity of South Africa’s criminal justice system.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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