President Ramaphosa Acts on Madlanga Commission Interim Report: 14 Officials Referred for Urgent Criminal Investigation

President Cyril Ramaphosa has formally accepted the three-month interim report of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and directed immediate action, including the referral of 14 high-ranking officials from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality for criminal investigations into allegations of corruption, fraud, perjury, murder, and other serious criminality.

The Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System—chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga and assisted by Advocates Sesi Baloyi SC and Sandile Khumalo SC—was established by President Ramaphosa in July 2025.

Hearings commenced in September 2025, and the commission delivered its interim report to the President on December 17, 2025. After review, President Ramaphosa announced on January 29, 2026, that he fully accepts the commission’s recommendations, which include:

• Referral of multiple matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent prosecutorial decisions.

• Recommendations on the employment status of implicated individuals, including potential suspensions.

The Presidency stressed that the interim findings present prima facie evidence of wrongdoing, though they are not final conclusions. The commission’s work continues, with a full report expected later in 2026.

Key Individuals Referred for Investigation

The 14 named individuals primarily include senior SAPS officers and current or former Ekurhuleni officials (including from the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department – EMPD):

South African Police Service (SAPS):

1. Major General Lesetja Senona (KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head, currently testifying before the commission)

2. Major General Richard Shibiri

3. Brigadier Mbangwa Nkhwashu

4. Brigadier Rachel Matjeng

5. Sergeant Fannie Nkosi

Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality / EMPD:

6. Suspended EMPD Chief Julius Mkhwanazi

7. EMPD Officer Bafana Twala

8. EMPD Officer Aiden McKenzie

9. EMPD Officer Kershia Leigh Stols

10. Former City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi

11. Fleet manager/proxy Mr Chris Steyn

12. Head of Department of Human Resources Ms Linda Gxasheka

13. EMM Head of Legal Adv Kemi Behari

14. Mr Etienne van der Walt

Notably absent from the referrals are figures such as suspended national Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya or Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu, prompting online speculation and criticism about the scope and selectivity of the interim findings.

Immediate Actions Directed by the President

President Ramaphosa has instructed Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia to establish a dedicated special task team within SAPS to investigate the claims arising from the commission. The unit will report directly to National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola.

The President called on all law enforcement agencies and criminal justice institutions to act swiftly, stressing zero tolerance for corruption that undermines public trust in the system.

Public and Political Reaction

The announcement has sparked intense debate on social media and in public discourse. Some praise the move as decisive action against entrenched corruption within the criminal justice system, while critics argue it represents further bureaucracy—pointing to the existing commission, parliamentary ad hoc committees, and now a new task team—as potential delays or deflection.

Live commission hearings continue, with Major-General Lesetja Senona appearing for a third day of testimony on January 29, facing rigorous questioning over alleged ties to tender figures and high-profile cases.