Madlanga Commission | KZN top cop blows whistle on criminal syndicates and media complicity

In a series of explosive testimonies at the Madlanga Commission, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, laid bare a web of alleged criminal infiltration, political interference, and even media complicity within South Africa’s justice and law enforcement structures.

The Commissioner concluded the first round of his testimony on Friday, standing by his explosive July briefing. He alleged that powerful syndicates—including drug cartels and politically connected individuals—have infiltrated law enforcement and government structures to undermine investigations.

Mkhwanazi painted a stark picture of a justice system under siege, with senior officials and a minister accused of interfering with police work.

In a startling revelation, Mkhwanazi claimed some journalists are actively protecting drug cartels by pushing one-sided narratives to the public, undermining ongoing investigations.

He linked this to a disciplinary committee he served on, that cleared SAPS Crime Intelligence General Feroz Khan of misconduct. Khan’s decision to prevent officers from seizing drugs in Booysens to follow proper legal processes, Mkhwanazi said, angered senior officials and the ministry, who allegedly wanted to avoid scrutiny.

Mkhwanazi said some journalists have since agreed to testify before the commission.

 

Mkhwanazi also alleged that North West businessman Oupa ‘Brown’ Mogotsi had access to classified police information, including the daily diary of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, and frequently communicated with him and suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya, on behalf of controversial businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala.

The KZN police boss had previously accused Mogotsi of leaking sensitive intelligence to criminal syndicates in his July testimony.

He described Mogotsi as well-connected information peddler who interfered in high-level police operations.

After Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala’s cellphone was seized in prison, investigators found frequent communications between Matlala and Mogotsi regarding the raid on Matlala’s property and the disbanding of the KZN political killings task team.

Mkhwanazi read out WhatsApp messages exchanged between the two.

 

The commissioner also revealed that he faced swift retaliation following his July 6 briefing, including from now-suspended Police Minister Mchunu.

He defended his actions, saying it was his duty to alert citizens about criminal syndicates and politically connected individuals infiltrating law enforcement. He also explained that the attire worn during the briefing symbolised the officers’ resolve to confront those undermining the justice system.

The next phase of the Commission will hear from other high-profile witnesses, including National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and suspended Police minister Senzo Mchunu, who are expected to respond to Mkhwanazi’s allegations.

Meanwhile, Mkhwanazi is scheduled to meet with the Parliament’s Police Portfolio committees next Thursday and Friday.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe