President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the interim report of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, accepting its recommendations and calling for urgent action from law enforcement agencies to address alleged corruption and criminality within South Africa’s criminal justice system.
The Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System was established by the President in July 2025. It followed explosive allegations by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi about a sophisticated criminal syndicate said to have infiltrated key law enforcement structures.
Chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga and assisted by Advocates Sesi Baloyi SC and Sandile Khumalo SC, the commission submitted its interim report on 17 December 2025, in line with its mandate.
Referrals for criminal investigations
In a statement released on Thursday, the Presidency said the report includes referrals for immediate criminal investigations, urgent prosecutorial decisions, and recommendations regarding the employment status of certain officials, including possible suspension.
The Commission acted within its terms of reference, which allow it to consider prima facie evidence of wrongdoing and refer matters to appropriate authorities for investigation, prosecution, disciplinary steps or further inquiries.
President Ramaphosa said all relevant law enforcement bodies are expected to act “with speed” in implementing the recommendations.
“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.
SAPS and Ekurhuleni officials implicated
The Commission found prima facie evidence of wrongdoing and referred matters concerning the following South African Police Service (SAPS) officials for investigation:
- Major General Lesetja Senona
- Major General Richard Shibiri
- Brigadier Mbangwa Nkhwashu
- Brigadier Rachel Matjeng
- Sergeant Fannie Nkosi
It also identified prima facie evidence relating to current and former employees of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), including:
- Suspended EMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi
- EMPD Officer Bafana Twala
- EMPD Officer Aiden McKenzie
- EMPD Officer Kershia Leigh Stols
- Former EMM City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi
- EMM fleet manager/proxy Chris Steyn
- EMM Head of Human Resources Linda Gxasheka
- EMM Head of Legal Advocate Kemi Behari
- Etienne van der Walt
The referrals relate to allegations including corruption, fraud, perjury, murder and other unlawful conduct.
Where the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is already handling matters, the Commission will seek updates on the status of those investigations and explanations for any delays.
Allegations, not findings
The Presidency stressed that, with the exception of Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi, some of the individuals named have not yet presented their responses before the Commission. As such, the allegations remain prima facie and do not constitute final findings.
However, the seriousness of the claims warranted immediate referral for further investigation and possible disciplinary or prosecutorial steps.
Special investigations task team
To fast-track the process, President Ramaphosa has instructed Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola to establish a special investigations task team. The unit’s leader will report directly to General Masemola.
The Presidency said the dedicated team is critical to ensuring the investigations proceed as a matter of urgency.
Appreciation for the Commission
President Ramaphosa expressed “deepest appreciation” to Justice Madlanga, Commissioners Baloyi and Khumalo, and the commission’s staff for their work in producing the interim report.
He said he looks forward to the finalisation of the Commission’s work and its contribution to improving the effectiveness and integrity of law enforcement agencies and the broader criminal justice system.
