On the evening of July 13, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the potential infiltration of organized crime groups into the country's law enforcement, intelligence, and justice sectors. This statement was made during his address to the nation.
The impetus for this commission was a statement by the Police Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who on July 6 alleged that South Africa's Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, supposedly interfered in investigations and collaborated with businessmen, including those accused of murder, to dismantle a special task force on political assassinations. He also stated that in the province of Gauteng, police uncovered the activities of a drug cartel potentially involving politicians, police officers, prosecutors, and judges.
"If these allegations are confirmed, it could undermine South Africans' trust in the police's ability to ensure their safety and effectively combat crime and corruption. Therefore, the mentioned accusations require an urgent and thorough investigation. For this reason, I have decided to establish a judicial commission," Ramaphosa stated.
The commission will be led by Mbuyiseli Madlanga, the Acting Deputy Chairperson of the Constitutional Court. It will also include attorneys Sesi Baloyi and Sandile Khumalo.
The commission will examine the potential involvement of current and former high-ranking officials in various security and judicial departments, including the police, the National Prosecuting Authority, the State Security Agency, and others.
"The commission will have the authority to recommend the temporary suspension of such officials during the investigation," the President noted.
The commission is tasked with presenting interim reports after three and six months, with the final report to be submitted to the President, the Speaker of the National Assembly, and the Chief Justice of South Africa.
During the investigation, Ramaphosa has placed Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu on administrative leave. Professor Firoz Cachalia, a law professor at the University of the Witwatersrand and Chair of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, has been appointed as Acting Minister.
"The work of law enforcement and security services will continue uninterrupted, despite the commission's activities. I urge all law enforcement personnel to strictly adhere to the law and maintain professional conduct," Ramaphosa declared.
The President also requested all South Africans to support the commission and provide any information that could aid in its work.
Buinta Bembeyeva
