Ramaphosa Receives Interim Report on Security Cluster Allegations, Final Report to be Public
President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the interim report from the Madlanga Commission, established to investigate serious allegations of misconduct and criminality within South Africa's security cluster. The Presidency confirmed the receipt of the report on Wednesday, but clarified that the interim findings will remain confidential while the commission continues its work.
According to Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, President Ramaphosa will carefully study the interim report. The commission, currently in recess, is preparing to hear further testimony from both new witnesses and individuals who have previously provided evidence.
The Madlanga Commission, chaired by retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was established by President Ramaphosa in July following explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Mkhwanazi's claims centred around the inner workings of the country’s security apparatus, with accusations levelled against now-suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu.
Mkhwanazi alleged that Mchunu was involved in criminal syndicates, interfered in politically motivated murder investigations, and provided false testimony to Parliament while under oath. These are extremely serious allegations that prompted swift action from the President.
The KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner further claimed that Mchunu, along with now-suspended deputy national commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, directly interfered in politically sensitive cases. He stated that they abruptly dissolved the Political Killings Task Team and transferred 121 KwaZulu-Natal political murder dockets to Pretoria "without further action." This alleged inaction raises serious questions about the integrity of these investigations and the potential for a cover-up.
Adding further weight to the allegations, Mkhwanazi suggested that WhatsApp messages linked Mchunu to Vusumusi “Cat” Matlala, an attempted murder-accused tenderpreneur, and his associate, Oupa “Brown” Mogotsi. These alleged links point to coordinated attempts to shield suspects from justice, a deeply concerning prospect if proven true.
Following Mkhwanazi’s explosive media briefing on 6 July, President Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on special leave. Professor Firoz Cachalia was appointed as the acting police minister, pending the outcome of the inquiry. This decisive action demonstrated the President's commitment to thoroughly investigating the allegations and ensuring accountability.
In addition to the Madlanga Commission, Parliament also established an ad hoc committee to investigate the matter. This dual approach underscores the seriousness with which these allegations are being treated at the highest levels of government.
News24 reported on Monday that the Presidency reiterated that while the interim report would not be publicly available, the final report would be released to the public. This commitment to transparency is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring that any wrongdoing is exposed.
Magwenya explained the rationale behind keeping the interim report confidential: "The commission will advise the Presidency on areas that are sensitive. The one that the president is going to receive on the 17th of December will not be made available to the public, and the reasoning is quite simple to understand."
He elaborated further, stating: "Some had evidence, located in certain specific areas, but not as broad as it was meant to be, so those witnesses are still going to be given a chance to return to the commission and give that evidence. It’s not going to be helpful to then start chewing and debating on something half-baked." This explanation suggests that the interim report contains incomplete evidence and premature conclusions, and that making it public at this stage could prejudice the ongoing investigation.
The commission is expected to resume hearings in January, providing an opportunity for additional witnesses to come forward and for existing witnesses to provide further evidence. The final report is expected to be made public after these further investigations are completed. The public release of the final report will be a crucial moment, allowing citizens to understand the full extent of the alleged misconduct and to hold those responsible accountable.
Both the Madlanga Commission and Parliament’s ad hoc committee have heard conflicting and sometimes incendiary testimony from senior police officials, City executives, detectives, and businesspeople. This has put the broken state of South Africa’s police on full display, highlighting the urgent need for reform and improved oversight. The allegations being investigated are not merely administrative failings, but potential instances of corruption, obstruction of justice, and even involvement in criminal activity. The outcome of these investigations will have significant implications for the credibility of the police force and the rule of law in South Africa.
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