Former President Thabo Mbeki has vouched for the courage demonstrated by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, in publicly addressing the challenges within the country’s criminal justice system.
Speaking on Saturday during an interview with SABC in Durban, Mbeki stated that the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is crucial for South Africa to fully understand and address deep-rooted issues surrounding crime, corruption, and political interference.
“I am very glad that the Commissioner had the courage to speak out,” Mbeki said.
“At last, we have the possibility, through the Madlanga Commission, to hear evidence from everyone involved and gain a clearer picture of the state of our criminal justice system, the criminals who carry out terrible acts, and how they operate.”
Mbeki highlighted the critical connection between crime syndicates, political actors, and the weakening criminal justice institutions such as the police and prosecution services.
“What is being raised is a very important issue — the connection between criminals, politicians, and the weakening of general values in the criminal justice system,” he explained.
The Madlanga Commission, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is tasked with probing allegations of political interference in the Police Service following General Mkhwanazi’s explosive briefing in July.
During that briefing, Mkhwanazi revealed that syndicates involving politicians, drug dealers, and other criminals undermine police work across South Africa.
Last week, SAPS expert Major-General Patronella Van Rooyen testified before the commission, stating that Parliament had failed in its constitutional oversight role by ignoring previous allegations of political interference involving Lt-Gen. Mkhwanazi.
During the March 5 virtual committee meeting, Mkhwanazi told parliament about allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system.
Mkhwanazi also told parliament about Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s December 31 2024 letter to disband the KZN SAPS political killings task team (PKTT).
Van Rooyen emphasised that this inaction allowed interference to continue unchecked.
“The country needs this inquiry,” Mbeki reiterated. “The comprehensive response the country requires — whether it be corruption or other misconduct — will come from the commission’s findings.
“Practical and concrete steps to address our challenges will be based on evidence, and it is vital that police leaders speak publicly because our nation deserves to know the truth.”
The Madlanga Commission’s work is keenly watched by South Africans hoping it will finally bring accountability and restore integrity within the justice system.
thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za
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