Shocking corruption in SA's criminal justice system

THE Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has, over the past two weeks, lifted the veil on a deeply entrenched web of corruption and collusion within South Africa's criminal justice system.

- KAMOGELO MOICHELA and SIMON MAJADIBODU

Allegations of political sabotage and state capture have sent shockwaves through the nation, revealing how high-ranking law enforcement officials, politicians, and criminal syndicates have allegedly conspired to undermine the very fabric of justice.

President Cyril Ramaphosa established the commission following alarming allegations raised by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and in the wake of claims regarding political interference in law enforcement and the alleged protection of criminal networks, with accusations reaching as far as the judiciary.

The commission started on September 17 with Mkhwanazi appearing as the first witness, where he accused the suspended police minister of disbanding a task team probing political killings. He also warned that the justice system was facing collapse.

There have been five witnesses who have testified so far. They include Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, police expert Major-General Petronella van Rooyen, KZN NPA head Elaine Harrison, and Crime Intelligence boss Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo. They delivered explosive testimony revealing how the justice institutions has been deliberately undermined.

'A strategic hit' on investigations: Top cop Mkhwanazi alleged that the arrest of Lt-Gen Khumalo was no coincidence but rather a calculated move to sabotage investigations into major drug cartels and organised crime.

He said the arrest was triggered by a letter obtained via whistle-blowers in the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) - a letter he claims was specifically designed to derail ongoing investigations.