A judicial commission headed by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga and a Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee are investigating the allegations.

Behind the intense political and legal drama unfolding at these inquiries lie other important questions. One concerns the place of specialised units and task teams in the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) crime investigations. The Political Killings Task Team is one of many in the SAPS Detective Services division.

According to the Task Team and SAPS Crime Intelligence division head, Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, the team had finalised 191 of 333 ‘political cases’ since it was established in 2018 (see table). Of these, 56 (29%) resulted in guilty verdicts. Altogether, it had secured 106 convictions, a 35% conviction rate for the 296 cases it had finalised. Khumalo said the Task Team had contributed to substantially reducing political killings in KwaZulu-Natal.

While various witnesses before the two inquiries have praised the Task Team for its effectiveness, allegations of abuse and excessive expenditure have been made against it. The dispute surrounding the Task Team highlights broader questions about the place of such teams and specialised investigation units.

The reasons for establishing a dedicated unit or task team could be the importance of the crime problem and the need for specialised skills to investigate it. Probes into politically motivated (and whistleblower) killings are certainly worth prioritising. Failure to protect democratic political activity and the opponents of corruption will enable the capture of state organs by corrupt criminal interests.

But South Africa has multiple crime types that call for prioritisation, including among others, gender-based violence, murder, armed robbery, corruption, online fraud and cybercrime.

In testimony before the Ad Hoc Committee on 16 October, Mchunu sought to refute allegations that he had ordered the closure of the Task Team for improper reasons. He said he was merely implementing a decision – approved by police leadership in June 2019 – for political killings to be investigated by specialised murder and robbery units.

It was not appropriate to privilege the safety of politicians when all people were under threat from crime, he said. ‘You need to make [the] people of South Africa feel safe, not a certain grouping of people called public representatives or councillors.’

In the SAPS, task teams are distinct from specialised units. Units are regarded as permanent structures that respond to persistent problems, whereas task teams aim to ‘stabilise’ temporary hotspots or crime types. Units are permanently resourced while task teams are funded by short-term financial allocations.

In 2024, there were 16 specialised units in the SAPS detective division. In recent years, task teams have been set up to investigate kidnapping, economic infrastructure crimes, illegal mining and extortion. SAPS press statements and media reports suggest there are at least seven local task teams to address the group of three aggravated robberies.

During the 2024 election campaign, political parties called for the establishment or strengthening of units or task teams focusing on various crime types. But SAPS has repeatedly warned about the impact of doing so.

In a 2024 presentation on the detective service, police raised concerns about the sustainability of the ‘persistent drive to establish specialised units.’ A March 2024 SAPS work study, highlighted in Mchunu’s affidavit, expressed concern about the failure to consider ‘the gap left’ at police stations when task teams are set up. It also highlighted overlapping mandates among different task teams and units.

While many specialised units and task teams have been created, the SAPS’ detective function more broadly has been neglected. SAPS employs only 18 000 detectives, although current recruitment is intended to add over 4 000 more.

Alongside these ‘general’ detectives is the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), an autonomous entity within SAPS. Its core mandate is to investigate serious corruption, organised and commercial crime. It too is understaffed and needs about double its personnel.

The current SAPS ‘detection rate’ – the percentage of cases in which suspects are arrested and charged – is a meagre 11% for murder. The conviction rate is even lower. Many detectives are overwhelmed by their caseloads, with some carrying 200 dockets or more. Countless serious crimes do not receive focused investigative attention, meaning the criminal justice system has little chance of serving as a convincing deterrent.

It is reassuring that the government, through its partnership with business, is now giving focused attention to strengthening the overall detective service. The initiative, which started in 2023, involves boosting South Africa’s response to challenges in the fields of energy, transport and logistics, crime and corruption. Before this, there had been no sustained investment in strengthening the detective service.

Testimony at the Madlanga Commission about alleged links between organised crime bosses and senior personnel in DPCI and SAPS specialised units is very worrying.

Task teams focused on specific crimes are at best a stopgap measure. More comprehensive measures are needed to establish a police and justice system trusted for its integrity and respected for reducing overall levels of murder, rape and other serious crimes.

Written by David Bruce, Independent Researcher and ISS Consultant.

Republished with permission from ISS Africa. The original article can be found here.

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The committee met on Wednesday night to receive legal opinion on the participation of certain members, the committee’s request to extend its lifespan and the identification of further witnesses, among other things.

The committee was informed that the Speaker has granted it an extension until 28 November 2025 to finalise its work. Members welcomed this extension, as it provides for additional time for the committee to execute its mandate. The committee was initially given until the end of October to finalise its work.

Committee chairperson Molapi Soviet Lekganyane made the request to National Assembly (NA) Speaker on behalf of the committee. The request was made after the committee encountered delays in starting with its public hearings.

The committee also received an update on the public participation process. The committee heard that so far 325 submissions have been received. The deadline for input from the public on Lt Gen Mkhwanazi’s allegations was 17 October.

Regarding the legal opinion on the participation of “conflicted” members, it reads: “… in the circumstances, we hasten to opine that the cases that were opened by the affected members before the initiation of the subject enquiry, do not exhibit bias or give rise to a reasonable apprehension thereof.” The opinion further reads that in the view of a reasonable observer, “if aware of these cases, would consider that they were registered before the commencement of the committee hearings. Such observer would also be aware of the fact that the cases were registered, not in the context of the enquiry, but in the context of apparent contradictory versions made by Mr Mchunu, MP, both in the public domain and before a committee of Parliament regarding his association with Mr Brown Mogotsi. Moreover, it is the National Prosecuting Authority that will determine whether there are any prospects of success in prosecuting the said cases.”

This legal opinion refers to committee member David Skosana and Ms Lisa-Mare Schickerling, who had laid criminal charges against Minister Senzo Mchunu and Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya.

The committee was further informed about legal advice obtained by the Democratic Alliance (DA), which found there is no basis for committee member Dianne Kohler-Barnard to excuse herself or be removed from the parliamentary inquiry into allegations of corruption in the criminal justice system. The DA sought the legal opinion after Mkhwanazi accused Kohler-Barnard of disclosing classified intelligence information at the parliamentary inquiry and the Malanga Commission, an allegation she has denied.

Committee member Advocate Glynnis Breytenbach said the conclusion reached by the legal advice was that there was no factual basis to conclude that Kohler-Barnard was biased, conflicted and could not participate in the inquiry. She has been under pressure from several committee members to recuse herself from its proceedings.

Next week, committee members will be given an opportunity to pose questions to Mchunu. The committee is also expected to hear from former Police Minister Gen Bheki Cele. The committee also finalised a list of high-ranking SAPS officials that will be called to appear before it.

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The commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is tasked with what President Cyril Ramaphosa has called a mission of national urgency: to uncover the truth within allegations of a web of corruption, political interference and intimidation.

Officially known as the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, the commission is holding its hearings in the main auditorium of the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College.

The establishment of the commission follows serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi about an alleged criminal syndicate that has spread influence into law enforcement, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and intelligence services.

The KZN commissioner also made allegations against the Police Minister Senzo Mchunu – alleging that he colluded with criminal elements to disband the Political Killings Task Team based in that province.

“[Since establishment], the commission’s evidence leaders and investigators have been in consultation with witnesses and following up on information within the commission’s terms of reference.

“We can confirm that the consultation [with the first witness]… was with Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi, whom the commission intends to call as its first witness,” Michaels told a media briefing last week.

“The interest shown by the South African public in this investigation is not surprising. I say so because the allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on 6 July 2025 concern a grave subject matter: the subject of the alleged infiltration of, or exertion of undue influence on, the criminal justice system,” Madlanga said on Wednesday.

“If the allegations are proved to be true, that spells doom for South Africa’s criminal justice system. A healthy criminal justice system is key to the rule of law and, in turn, to a functioning constitutional democracy,” Madlanga said.

Safeguarding the nation

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the commission during a Sunday evening national address in July after Mkhwanazi’s own media briefing detailing his allegations.

At the time, the President noted that the provincial commissioner’s allegations “raise serious concerns around the Constitution, the rule of law and national security”.

“These allegations, if proven true, threaten to undermine the confidence of South Africans in the ability of the South African Police Service to protect them and to effectively fight crime and corruption.

“As we intensify the fight against crime, it is vital that we safeguard the integrity and credibility of the police and other law enforcement agencies.

“These allegations therefore call for an urgent and comprehensive investigation,” the President said.

He set out the parameters of the commission’s work which includes investigating:

The facilitation of organised crime
Suppression or manipulation of investigations
Inducement into criminal actions by law enforcement leadership
The commission of any other criminal offences and intimidation, victimisation or targeted removal of whistleblowers or officials resisting criminal influence

“The commission will investigate the role of current or former senior officials in certain institutions who may have aided or abetted the alleged criminal activity; failed to act on credible intelligence or internal warnings; or benefited financially or politically from a syndicate’s operations.

“These institutions are the South African Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority, State Security Agency, the Judiciary and Magistracy, and the metropolitan police departments of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane,” he said.

The commission will also probe whether any “members of the National Executive responsible for the criminal justice system, were complicit, aided and abetted, or participated in the acts mentioned above”.

Swift action

President Ramaphosa explained that the Madlanga Commission has the power to “refer matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution” with interim reports expected after three and six months.

“It is critical that these matters be attended to with the necessary urgency and thoroughness.

“The commission is expected to complete its work and submit a final report to the President. The final report of the commission will [also] be sent to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice,” he said.

Lisa Schickerling, Democratic Alliance Spokesperson on Police, on Wednesday said the Madlanga commission must pursue the truth without fear or favour. “South Africans cannot afford another inquiry that tiptoes around political heavyweights or shields the well-connected. Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s allegations of collusion between politicians, senior police officers, prosecutors, intelligence operatives and even elements of the judiciary have shaken public confidence. Only a fearless and thorough process can begin to restore trust.”

The Madlanga Commission runs parallel to the Parliamentary Ad-Hoc Committee established to investigate Mkhwanazi’s allegations.

The Democratic Alliance said the commission must lay bare the scale of political interference and criminal infiltration across law enforcement and justice structures. Every individual implicated must be held to account, with swift referrals for suspension, disciplinary action, or criminal prosecution. Whistleblowers and witnesses must be protected so they can speak without fear.

The final report must propose urgent, practical reforms to restore integrity to SAPS, the NPA and intelligence services and these proposals must be implemented by the executive without delay.

“This inquiry cannot become another expensive talk shop. It must mark a turning point in crushing the syndicates that thrive on political protection and in rebuilding faith in the rule of law,” Schickerling concluded.

Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development welcomes commission start

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Xola Nqola, has welcomed the commencement of proceedings of the Madlanga Commission, which was originally scheduled to begin public hearings on 1 September 2025. However, its start was delayed due to procurement challenges. Nqola noted that these obstacles have now been resolved:

“The committee welcomes the speedy resolution of the procurement matters that caused the delays. This demonstrates that government takes the process seriously and has acted decisively to remove obstacles to ensure a smooth and timely start,” he said.

The committee had previously expressed concern that the delay was linked to administrative and procurement failures within the Department of Justice. During a media briefing, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi acknowledged that certain issues could have been avoided. She announced that the Director-General of the department, Advocate Doc Mashabane, and Deputy Director-General for Information and Communication Technology, Jabu Hlatshwayo, were placed on immediate suspension pending investigation and disciplinary processes.

Nqola stressed the importance of the commission, saying: “We are grateful that the process has now begun. This commission is critical to restoring credibility in our country’s criminal justice system. We wish Justice Madlanga and his team well and every success in achieving their objectives.”

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The allegations will soon be the subject of inquiries by the Madlanga Commission and a Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee. Hopefully, both will uncover considerable details about the alleged crimes highlighted.

Mkhwanazi’s briefing spotlighted a written instruction by then police minister Senzo Mchunu on 31 December 2024, for the Political Killings Task Team to immediately be shut down.

He implied that the directive was intended to obstruct the investigation of criminal networks that enjoy the protection of corrupt politicians and are potentially linked to the murder of whistleblowers. Mkhwanazi appeared to assert that senior police were also complicit in preventing further investigation of these cases.

His allegations raise questions about whether Mchunu acted reasonably and justifiably in ordering the task team’s closure, or had improper motives.

It is widely believed that Mchunu’s instruction constituted unlawful interference in South African Police Service (SAPS) operational matters. However the boundary between operations and policy is not always clear. Indeed Section 207(2) of the country’s constitution authorises the minister to issue ‘directions’ to the SAPS national commissioner, with no explicit limit on what these may provide.

It is also likely that, over the years, ministerial and other political influence has frequently been brought to bear on police operational decision making.

Whether Mchunu’s order to close the task team constituted inappropriate interference is likely to be debated at both inquiries. But the more important question is whether the former minister’s motives were improper. His written instruction sheds little light on the matter, stating simply that the team is ‘no longer required nor is it adding any value to policing in South Africa.’

In many parts of South Africa, political power is exercised corruptly to secure access to state financial resources. However, it is in KwaZulu-Natal that lethal violence is most likely to be mobilised to advance corrupt political interests. Political killings in the province are facilitated by the fact that it is the primary source of izinkabi (hitmen) in South Africa.

The contamination of state institutions by political factional rivalries extends into the police. According to the 2018 report of the Moerane Commission on political murders in KwaZulu-Natal, ‘state institutions, particularly security institutions, are being manipulated by politicians.

For most of the past 17 years, South Africa’s police minister has been from KwaZulu-Natal. No police minister is known to have tried to limit political influence on the police.

The task team may have been contaminated by political influence since its inception. It was established in 2016 under Nathi Nhleko, who was appointed police minister by former president Jacob Zuma in 2014. The Zuma administration engaged in overt manipulation of the criminal justice system.

A second iteration of the task team was launched in July 2018 under the watch of an Inter-Ministerial Committee. But in practice, Bheki Cele, an influential KwaZulu-Natal politician appointed police minister in February 2018, was the committee’s only public representative. He said the task team would incorporate assistance from the National Prosecuting Authority and other state agencies.

Though the task team has a reputation for effectiveness, its impact on political killings is unclear. The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime reported 15 political killings in KwaZulu-Natal in 2021 and 21 in 2022 – constituting at least 50% of the national total in both years. In 2023, 61% of the country’s 31 political killings happened in KwaZulu-Natal.

Cele provided figures for the task team’s arrests and convictions at various press briefings. To show effectiveness, investigative units tend to pursue cases that are ‘easy wins’, and the task team is likely to have done the same. As a result, the masterminds who recruited the izinkabi may have received less investigative attention.

A further question is whether the task team selected cases based on political considerations or other irregular motives.

If Mchunu had reasonable justification for his instruction, this may have originated in his own knowledge of the interface between policing and politics in the province. It may also have been influenced by an October 2024 submission from KwaZulu-Natal academic and violence monitor, Mary de Haas.

She appealed to Mchunu to disband the task team, referring to allegations of political manipulation, malicious arrest and prosecution of law enforcement officials refusing to participate in improper investigations.

Before taking the top policing job in KwaZulu-Natal in 2021, Mkhwanazi served as acting provincial commissioner from May 2018 to July 2019. He is unique among senior SAPS leaders for having openly resisted political interference.

In 2012, as acting SAPS national commissioner, he resisted political pressure from then police minister Nathi Mthethwa to withdraw the suspension of Richard Mdluli and reinstate him as head of crime intelligence. Mdluli was suspected of serious criminal offences, and has subsequently been convicted for some of them.

But since becoming KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, it is unclear whether Mkhwanazi has taken steps to ensure the task team’s impartiality and integrity. The relationship between Mchunu and Mkhwanazi appears to have been marked by acrimony and distrust; it is unclear why.

Police Minister Firoz Cachalia and SAPS National Commissioner Fannie Masemola said last week that the investigation of political killings and other assassinations, including those of whistleblowers, was important for addressing corruption and organised crime. Hopefully, improved investigation of such killings will be among the outcomes of the two forthcoming inquiries.

In assessing Mchunu’s instruction to shut down the task team, both inquiries will need to examine whether it effectively investigated political killings or used its powers selectively and inappropriately.

Written by David Bruce, Independent Researcher and ISS Consultant.

Republished with permission from ISS Africa. The original article can be found here.

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The commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was initially scheduled to begin hearings at the beginning of this month, but was postponed due to delays in the procurement of vital ICT infrastructure.

“Since President Cyril Ramaphosa formally proclaimed the [commission] by way of government gazette…we’ve made significant progress in establishing the commission, while simultaneously conducting investigations into the allegations made by [KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner] Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and we’ve also been consulting witnesses.

“The commission’s senior team…are seized with preparations for the commencement of the commission’s hearings next Wednesday,” Commission spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, told a media briefing on Monday.

The spokesperson assured that the challenges experienced which delayed the hearings are now resolved.

“Working together with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development [DJCOD], which has the legal mandate in assisting commissions of inquiry in setting up, we have taken delivery of most of the physical and ICT infrastructure. Most of our staff have now been trained on the systems and they have conducted tests to ensure that the hardware and software are fit for purpose, which indeed they are.

“The ICT systems which have been procured include a cybersecurity solution, a secure internet connection and a live streaming service, as well as transcription and stenography services, amongst others.

“In addition, we have onboarded a confidential reporting hotline for receiving reports from the public. The hotline consists of a number of platforms, including a telephone line where members of the public can confidentially talk to an operator and offer the commission information related to the terms of reference,” Michaels said.

The commission can be reached at madlangacommission@behonest.co.za or 0800 111 369.

Giving evidence

While awaiting the setup of the ICT infrastructure, Michaels said the commission’s work has been “advancing steadily”, and the commission’s evidence leaders and investigators have been in consultation with witnesses and are following up on information within the commission’s terms of reference.

Michaels revealed that Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi will be the commission’s first witness.

The commission’s evidence leader, Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC, warned that due to the sensitive nature of the commission’s work, some witnesses may give evidence in camera, while others’ statements may not be revealed in public to protect their identities.

“What [the commission] has to investigate is allegations that organised criminal syndicates have infiltrated the SAPS and other organs of state involved in policing and public safety…and some of the evidence we gather, will include evidence from undercover agents. If the identity of those people is disclosed, there is a very real risk that they will be killed.

“While we are committed to transparency, we have to prioritise the protection of human life at all costs. Unless we can make evidence available in a form that’s not going to put human life at risk, we can’t do that.

“So, this is not an analogise situation to that faced by the Zondo Commission. We sit in a much more extreme situation, and our first commitment must always be to the protection of human life,” he said.

The commission’s hearings will be held in the main auditorium at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Tshwane.

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The provincial commissioner made several allegations about an alleged criminal syndicate that has spread into law enforcement and intelligence services as well as allegations implicating the judiciary, prosecutors, politicians and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

The Police Minister has been placed on leave of absence by the President.

Justice and Constitutional Development Committee chairperson, Xola Nqola, said: “The National Prosecuting Authority, as well as the Judiciary and Magistracy are pillars of the criminal justice system and constitutional rule of law. They are the guardians of justice and accountability, and we cannot have a question mark hanging over them, causing the public to lose confidence in our justice system.”

Police Portfolio Committee chairperson, Ian Cameron, said: “The announcement of the establishment of a commission will surely enable a process to root out corruption from the SAPS. It is important that the establishment of the commission is not merely cosmetic but facilitates greater reflection and steps to rejuvenate the entire criminal justice system.”

Last week, National Assembly Speaker, Thoko Didiza, mandated the two committees and the Intelligence Committee to consider Mkhwanazi’s allegations.

In that regard, the committees are expected to meet this week to consider the way forward and report back to Didiza.

Ramaphosa assured South Africans that government is hard at work to safeguard the integrity and effectiveness of the police service.

The President made these remarks in his weekly newsletter to the nation, just a day after announcing the establishment of a commission of inquiry to investigate serious allegations made by Mkhwanazi.

“We have taken this decisive step because we are determined that the important work that has been done to rebuild our law enforcement agencies and security services should not be compromised.

“It is necessary that we establish the facts through an independent, credible and thorough process so that we can safeguard public confidence in the police service. This is particularly important as we seek to put the era of state capture behind us,” the President said.

The commission of inquiry, to be chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, will investigate allegations made by General Mkhwanazi that the Minister of Police and others had colluded to interfere with police investigations.

The commission will investigate allegations relating to the infiltration of law enforcement, intelligence and associated institutions within the criminal justice system by criminal syndicates.

Among the allegations that the commission may investigate are the facilitation of organised crime; suppression or manipulation of investigations; inducement into criminal actions by law enforcement leadership; commission of any other criminal offences and intimidation, victimisation or targeted removal of whistleblowers or officials resisting criminal influence.

“The commission will investigate the role of current or former senior officials in certain institutions who may have aided or abetted the alleged criminal activity; failed to act on credible intelligence or internal warnings; or benefited financially or politically from a syndicate’s operations,” the President said.

Institutions under scrutiny include the South African Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority, State Security Agency, the Judiciary and Magistracy, and the metropolitan police departments of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane.

The commission will also investigate whether any members of the National Executive responsible for the criminal justice system, were complicit, aided and abetted, or participated in the acts mentioned above.

The commission will be asked to report on the effectiveness or failure of oversight mechanisms, and the adequacy of current legislation, policies and institutional arrangements in preventing such infiltration.

It will make findings and recommendations for criminal prosecutions, disciplinary actions and institutional reform.

Once established, the commission shall consider prima facie evidence relating to the involvement of individuals currently employed within law enforcement or intelligence agencies.

Where appropriate, the commission must make recommendations on the employment status of such officials, including whether they should be suspended pending the outcome of further investigations.

The commission will also be empowered to refer matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution, taking into account the nature of the allegations and evidence the commission will uncover.

In order for the commission to execute its functions effectively, the President decided to put the Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence with immediate effect. He said the Minister has undertaken to give his full cooperation to the commission to enable it to do its work.

In his place, the President has appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as Acting Minister of Police. Cachalia is currently a professor of law at the University of the Witwatersrand and is the chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council. He previously served as an MEC of Community Safety in Gauteng.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that the commission is being established against the backdrop of significant progress in rebuilding and strengthening the country’s law enforcement agencies and security services.

In recent years, the South African Police Service, the Special Investigating Unit, the Asset Forfeiture Unit and other bodies have been making important inroads in the fight against organised crime and corruption.

“It is essential that we maintain this momentum and that we intensify this work. We will ensure that the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies continue to function without hindrance as the commission undertakes its work,” the President said.

He called on all members of the law enforcement agencies and security services to remain steadfast in upholding the rule of law and adhering to their code of conduct.

“I call on all South Africans to support the commission in its work and, where appropriate, to provide any information or assistance the commission may require.

“In establishing this Commission of Inquiry, we are affirming our commitment to the rule of law, to transparency and accountability, and to building a South Africa in which all people are safe and secure,” he said.

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Mkhwanazi said the meeting in Durban was historic in the history of policing in the province as it was the first time that all 3000 commissioned officers, ranked captain and upwards, were in one room.

“The aim of this meeting was to gauge our performances and account on all the shortfalls that need drastic and urgent improvements.  That is why I called all commanders who are in charge of various components, units, sections and sub-sections at various levels of command. I took the opportunity to remind the commanders of their mandate and responsibilities.”

“Police officers need to keep it in their minds that they are the hope of communities and any negligence of their responsibilities must come at a cost. In the province of KwaZulu-Natal we want police officers who do their work willingly, just the way they applied for this calling. Every police officer must be accountable for all their actions and that starts with commanders whom we have gathered here today,” he explained.

We also appreciate private security, especially those who are part of the Eyes and Ears project. They are the first responders to most crime scene and their cooperation is valued and appreciated.

Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi

Mkhwanazi said KwaZulu-Natal police arrested 121614 suspected criminals for various crimes in the previous financial year.

Over 37500 of them were nabbed for contact crimes.

“Our detectives were hard at work and of the total number of those arrested for contact crimes, 2407 of them were arrested for murder, 4874 were nabbed for rape, whereas 3069 suspects were arrested for attempted murder.”

“On cases of robbery with aggravating circumstances, 2395 suspects were arrested. These suspects are at different stages of court appearances,” he said.

Mkhwanazi said the province had been in the spotlight for gruesome violent crimes, especially murders that attracted international attention and made headlines worldwide.

“During the execution of operations, a total of 3575 firearms and thousands of ammunition of various calibre of firearms were recovered. Detectives in KwaZulu-Natal also managed to crack high-profile cases and ensure that suspects face justice.”

“I will not talk about the murders of rapper ‘AKA’ and his friend ‘Tibs’. That one is documented and we shall leave it to the law to run its cause.  In June last year, six people were shot and killed in Umbumbulu. Sphamandla Mkhize was arrested for that crime and is facing the cause of justice.”

“In Vryheid, Sanele Magubabe, Buyani Ngobese and Ziphumelele Ngobese were arrested for the attempted murder of three people and conspiracy to commit murder.  Mthembu Mzokhona Sinethemba, who is now deceased, was arrested for the KwaMakhutha triple murder in April last year.”

“Apart from the suspects who were fatally wounded in a shootout with police following the murder of 10 family members in Plessislaer in April last year, detectives traced and arrested Thabo Deon Warren Conco for those multiple murders. Thabo, who also goes by the name of Deon Sjava Mathonsi Chonco, was also positively linked with the murders of five people at Bulwer in May 2023.”

He said four people were also arrested for the murders of 13 people who were found burnt at a house in Taylors Halt in June last year.

“Bongile Mabele, who is also known as Bala, was arrested for the murders of eight people and the attempted murder of four more people in Umlazi in July 2023. Still in Umlazi, Siphamandla Dhlomo was arrested for the murder of seven people which happened in August last year.”

“Umlazi was a hype of activities crime wise and another four people were arrested in connection with the murders of eight people and the attempted murder of another four people, also in August 2023.”

“In November last year, another mass murder happened in Plessislaer where 10 people were shot and killed. Our detectives traced and arrested Thembelani Mbatha for that gruesome crime,” said Mkhwanazi.

KwaZulu-Natal police also arrested suspected involved in a Rustenburg cash-in-transit robbery.

“This year our detectives have already arrested suspects who are linked to the killing of five people in Plessislaer, as well as suspects who are believed to have been behind three murders in Pietermaritzburg.”

“We have also arrested suspects for three murders and attempted murders which happened in Folweni and a foreign national of Asian origin who was arrested for the murder and four attempted murders of his fellow countrymen last week.”

“These just the highlights of the great successes that our police officers continue to attain as we forge ahead with our resolve to create a safe and secure environment for the residents of KwaZulu-Natal and all local and international tourists,” said Mkhwanazi.

He said vehicle theft syndicates were also dealt a blow with the recovery of 2660 stolen and hijacked vehicles.

“We appreciate the good work done by the team which was deployed at Emanguzi, an area which was used as gateway to smuggle vehicles from our country into the neighbouring Mozambique.”   

Between October 2023 and May this year, over R1.5 billion worth of cocaine was recovered in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Over 300000 litres of liquor were seized, mostly due to illegal dealing in liquor at shebeens and backroom activities. These successes would not have been achieved without strong relationship between us as police and community members. We plead with community structures and individuals to take a firm stance against criminals and continue to forge a strong partnership with police,” said Mkhwanazi.

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