Top police officials in South Africa to be investigated by new task team set up by Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has accepted the recommendations contained in the interim report of the Madlanga Commission, paving the way for the immediate criminal investigation of high-ranking police generals and municipal officials. 

The report, submitted on 17 December 2025, follows the establishment of the Commission in July 2025 to probe allegations of a sophisticated criminal syndicate infiltrating South Africa’s criminal justice system.

Based on prima facie evidence of wrongdoing, the Commission has referred several individuals for investigation by officials in the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM). 

The report highlights allegations of criminality, corruption, fraud, murder, perjury, and other unlawful actions.

The specific SAPS officials identified for referral include:

• Major General Lesetja Senona
• Major General Richard Shibiri
• Brigadier Mbangwa Nkhwashu
• Brigadier Rachel Matjeng
• Sergeant Fannie Nkosi

In addition to the SAPS officials, the Commission found evidence of wrongdoing regarding current and former employees of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and its police department (EMPD). 

Key figures named include suspended EMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi and former City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi, alongside several other officers and department heads.

South Africa to get a new task team

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said that the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has not made a firm finding against suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who is on gardening leave.

He added that President Cyril Ramaphosa is awaiting Mchunu’s return to the commission before any action is taken.

Ramaphosa has directed the acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, and the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, to constitute a special investigations task team.

The presidency said in a statement that this unit, which is critical to ensuring investigations occur urgently, will be led by an official reporting directly to Masemola.

The President expects all relevant criminal justice institutions to act with speed to implement these recommendations, noting that immediate action is necessary to restore public trust and strengthen the state’s capacity to fight crime.

The Commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is empowered by its terms of reference to refer matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution.

Furthermore, the Commission may recommend disciplinary measures, including the suspension of officials pending further investigation.

While the President noted that some implicated individuals will return to the Commission to respond to allegations, he said that the nature of the current evidence warrants immediate referrals for potential disciplinary or prosecutorial action.

The Commission emphasised that, with the exception of EMPD Chief Julius Mkhwanazi, it had not yet heard responses from the listed persons, meaning these remain prima facie allegations rather than final findings.

Where IPID is already handling certain matters, the Commission will seek explanations for any delays in those investigations.