Madlanga Commission: Mkhwanazi Warns Justice System “At Risk of Total Collapse”

Lt-General Mkhwanazi testifies in madlanga Commission. (Dasen Thathiah

by Mathipa Phishego

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has raised grave concerns before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, warning that South Africa’s justice system runs the risk “of a total collapse” if corruption, criminal networks, and political interference are not addressed.

Mkhwanazi’s testimony focused on several critical issues, including the dismantling of the KZN political killings task team, which had been investigating politically motivated murders in the province. 

Allegations of criminality and corruption within the police and broader criminal justice system. Persistent political interference undermining investigations and judicial processes.

“My statement focuses on the KZN political killings task team as well as the criminality, political interference, and corruption within the criminal justice system,” Mkhwanazi told the commission.

The police commissioner’s stark warning underscores the urgency of the Madlanga Commission’s mandate, which seeks to investigate claims of networks of corruption infiltrating law enforcement and the judiciary.

Chairing the inquiry, Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, has reiterated that the commission is committed to uncovering facts that will restore public confidence in South Africa’s democratic institutions.

Mkhwanazi’s testimony comes amid ongoing legal and political challenges, including his R5 million defamation lawsuit against investigator Paul O’Sullivan and an unsuccessful attempt by Jacob Zuma’s MK Party to halt the commission’s proceedings.

The Madlanga Commission, funded with R147.9 million, is expected to release its initial report by December 2025, with further hearings continuing over the coming months.