One year after KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner lieutenant general Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged that criminal syndicates had infiltrated the South African Police Service and other institutions, the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has led to criminal charges against 13 officers including national commissioner general Fannie Masemola.
Mkhwanazi made the claims during a media briefing on 6 July 2025. President Cyril Ramaphosa established the Madlanga Commission to investigate. The allegations involved collusion with organised crime figures including Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Matlala’s company Medicare24 Tshwane received a R228-million SAPS health services contract in June 2024 that was later terminated. Matlala, his associate James Murray and several officers face corruption, fraud and money laundering charges. Masemola faces a charge under the Public Finance Management Act.
Recent developments include the resignation of suspended KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head major-general Lesetja Senona on 26 June 2026 and the dismissal of brigadier Rachel Matjeng on 1 July 2026. Two suspects in a 2023 Killarney precious stones theft were arrested over the weekend of 4 July 2026 and are due in court on 6 July.
