Ramaphosa Launches Judicial Commission into SAPS Corruption Allegations
President Cyril Ramaphosa has formally established a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate explosive corruption and interference allegations within the South African Police Service (SAPS). This decisive action comes in the wake of dramatic claims made by KwaZulu‑Natal Police Commissioner Lt‑Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi over the past week.
Background: A Crisis Unfolds
On July 6, Lt‑Gen Mkhwanazi accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of colluding with crime syndicates, deliberately disbanding the Political Killings Task Team, and obstructing investigations into politically motivated assassinations. He revealed that over 100 case dockets and a R360 million police tender had been mysteriously withdrawn from active investigations.
President Ramaphosa, speaking from the BRICS summit in Brazil, described the allegations as a “grave national security concern” and pledged an urgent response on his return.
The Commission Mandate
The newly appointed judicial commission, chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is empowered to subpoena witnesses and documents under oath. Its terms include investigating:
- Alleged obstruction of political killings investigations;
- Links between senior SAPS officials and organized crime;
- Potential misuse of state resources, including the cancellation of critical dockets and tenders.
It also seeks to evaluate whether institutional capture has permeated SAPS.
Ensuring Independence and Expertise
Civil society organizations like Free SA, the Federation of Unions of SA (Fedusa), and the SACP endorsed the commission’s establishment. They emphasized it must be fully independent, have a clear timeline, subpoena powers, whistleblower protection, and parliamentary oversight.
Build One South Africa (BOSA), led by Mmusi Maimane, also called for a Special Investigating Unit and lifestyle audits for senior SAPS officials to complement the commission’s work.
Immediate Steps & Minister’s Leave
- Minister Mchunu has been placed on special leave while the inquiry proceeds, fulfilling demands for accountability from opposition parties and watchdog groups.
- SAPS initiated a criminal investigation based on Mkhwanazi’s submissions. The National Prosecuting Authority may consider formal charges.
What Lies Ahead
- Commission Hearings Begin — chaired by Justice Madlanga with the power to compel testimony.
- Criminal and administrative parallel probes — by SAPS, NPA, IPID, and SIU, per recommendations from unions and civil society.
- Public reporting & transparency — case dockets, log records, and tender files will be scrutinized, with parliamentary oversight expected.
- Whistleblower protections — to be strengthened to ensure safe testimony.
Historical Context & Challenges
South Africa has previously relied on judicial commissions, including the high-profile Zondo Commission, which addressed state capture under Jacob Zuma at a cost of R1 billion. However, Zondo faced criticism for limited prosecutions post-report — a challenge this new commission must avoid if it hopes to restore public trust.
The constitution grants the President discretion over accepting the commission’s recommendations, though its public testimony aims to restore faith in SAPS and government institutions .
Bottom Line
The launch of the Madlanga‑led judicial commission marks a watershed moment in confronting allegations of deep-rooted corruption within SAPS. With support from unions, opposition parties, and civil society, the commission is expected to proceed at full tilt, laying bare the facts and making recommendations by the end of the year. The credibility of South Africa’s law enforcement and justice systems hangs in the balance—can this inquiry avoid past pitfalls and deliver meaningful accountability?