A senior police officer in South Africa has reignited debate about corruption and political interference within the country’s justice system after publicly alleging that powerful criminal syndicates have penetrated state institutions. His claims, made earlier this year, triggered a formal commission of inquiry, which began hearing evidence on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi had first raised alarm in July during a press briefing, where he accused certain senior politicians and law enforcement leaders of obstructing sensitive investigations to shield drug cartels and organized crime networks. The allegations drew widespread public attention and prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to authorize a government-backed probe. In addition, parliament launched its own separate inquiry into the matter, reflecting the seriousness with which the claims are being treated.
Mkhwanazi’s Testimony
Delivering his opening remarks before the commission, Mkhwanazi underscored the gravity of the threat facing South Africa’s criminal justice system.
“It has been my aim that I want to demonstrate that the criminal justice system has been subject to a continuous threat, as well as sabotage, which has been with us over an extended period,” he said. “To a point where we believe it is at real risk of total collapse if nothing is done.”
He pointed to evidence suggesting that internal sabotage and political interference had crippled law enforcement’s ability to tackle violent crime and dismantle powerful cartels. His remarks resonated in a country that consistently ranks among the highest in the world for violent crime, and where citizens often voice frustration over ineffective policing and entrenched corruption.
Officials Implicated
At his July 6 press briefing, Mkhwanazi specifically named Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya as officials allegedly linked to syndicates. He accused them of dissolving a special crime unit tasked with investigating politically motivated killings in KwaZulu-Natal, a province that has seen a wave of assassinations tied to criminal networks and political rivalries.
According to Mkhwanazi, the disbanded unit had made breakthroughs in long-unsolved murder cases, including the killings of two prominent musicians, and had uncovered links between organized crime cartels and the violence. Following his claims, both Mchunu and Sibiya were suspended and are expected to testify before the commission in the coming weeks.
Divided Public and Political Reactions
The establishment of the commission has generated mixed reactions. Critics argue that previous commissions of inquiry under President Ramaphosa produced detailed findings but failed to deliver accountability at senior levels. Opposition figures fear this exercise may follow the same path.
Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), openly questioned the commission’s powers, arguing that parliament’s investigation carries greater authority. “Mkhwanazi should be the first witness before parliament, not just this commission,” Malema said.
Meanwhile, the Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Party, South Africa’s official opposition, has announced plans to challenge the legality of the commission in court. It accuses Ramaphosa of using inquiries to deflect criticism while ignoring their recommendations.
A Chance for Reform?
Despite skepticism, some experts view the inquiry as a potential turning point if its outcomes are implemented. Louise Edwards of the African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum emphasized that systemic reform is possible, but only if findings translate into decisive action.
“We have to remain optimistic, but the only way I see real change happening is if the findings and recommendations of the commission leads to real consequences, systemic reforms, and sustained oversight, particularly by permanent oversight structures,” Edwards explained. She added that the allegations of interference had deeply undermined police morale, weakening frontline efforts to combat crime.
She cautioned that commissions of inquiry often falter at the implementation stage. “The focus must be on outcomes, but most significantly, implementation of its findings. Too often this is the weakness in the commission of inquiry approach,” she said.
Broader Implications
Mkhwanazi’s testimony highlights not just the scale of infiltration within South Africa’s justice system but also the fragile state of public confidence in institutions tasked with upholding the rule of law. If the allegations are proven and meaningful reforms follow, the probe could mark a rare breakthrough in restoring credibility. But if it mirrors past inquiries that ended without accountability, it risks deepening disillusionment in a country already struggling with pervasive crime and corruption.
Ref: AP
