This week, the Madlanga Commission and Parliament's ad hoc committee heard explosive testimonies on alleged police corruption linked to criminal cartels and the controversial disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team. Witnesses detailed unlawful deals, interference in operations, and threats, while officials defended actions amid ongoing investigations. The hearings highlighted deep infiltration of law enforcement by organized crime.
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into political killings and related crimes featured key testimonies this week, exposing alleged corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS). Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, SAPS Divisional Commissioner for Crime Intelligence, recommended replicating the Provincial Killing Task Team (PKTT) nationwide as a blueprint for tackling major crimes and cartel operations. He cited the team's swift investigation into the April 2024 murder of engineer Armand Swart, which led to the arrest of Katiso “KT” Molefe on 6 December 2024, uncovering links to an organized crime network.
Warrant Officer Sabelo Nkosi of the Hawks described interference during a raid on Molefe's home that day, where his team was abruptly ordered 50km away to verify its legality, despite it being lawful. Nkosi noted the lack of operational briefing, stating, “We went in unprepared... It was like walking into an ambush.”
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Chief Jabulani Isaac Mapiyeye testified on an unlawful agreement between Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala's CAT Protection and Security company and the department, providing surveillance and tactical support—functions reserved for SAPS. Mapiyeye said, “CAT Protection and Security has no legal authority to perform such tasks.” He also revealed threats from former city manager Imogen Mashazi, invoking the late taxi boss Jothan ‘Mswazi’ Msibi, over pursuing a disciplinary hearing against deputy Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi, implicated in ties to Matlala, including authorizing blue lights on private vehicles.
Matlala allegedly claimed to an investigator that he had top cops on his payroll. Separately, Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya was seen driving a vehicle registered to Stuart James Scharnick, who has over 30 criminal cases.
In Parliament, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia called the PKTT's 31 December 2024 disbandment by Senzo Mchunu “unwise,” describing corruption as “an existential threat.” Deputy Minister Polly Boshielo initially thought the disbandment letter was “fake news.” Mchunu, on special leave since allegations by Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of his links to syndicates, handed over devices including a laptop and cellphone, denying wrongdoing. His spokesperson Sthembiso Mshengu claimed a political agenda to smear him.
Investigating Directorate Against Corruption head Andrea Johnson testified that June 2025 arrests of Khumalo and colleagues were above board, denying information sharing with her husband in the unit. Of complaints by MP Fadiel Adams, two led to arrests, four remain under investigation.
These hearings underscore tensions between innovative policing and bureaucratic resistance, with calls to adopt PKTT methods amid unresolved cartel allegations.
