Several senior police officials mentioned in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry are expected to be placed on precautionary suspension, as government moves to restore public trust in law enforcement.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia confirmed that officials flagged by the commission will be temporarily suspended while investigations continue. He explained that a newly formed special task team will be responsible for probing allegations involving both SAPS members and officials from the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department.
The Presidency has expressed serious concern over the troubling claims emerging from the commission’s hearings. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the President is deeply disturbed by the conduct allegedly displayed by individuals entrusted with key leadership roles in law enforcement.
Following these developments, President Cyril Ramaphosa instructed Minister Cachalia and National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola to establish a dedicated unit to investigate all those implicated by the Madlanga Commission.
An interim report submitted to the President in December revealed preliminary evidence suggesting possible wrongdoing. As a result, the commission recommended that formal investigations be opened against several officers, including Major Generals Lesetja Senona and Richard Shibiri, Brigadiers Mbangwa Nkhwashu and Rachel Matjeng, as well as Sergeant Fannie Nkosi.
Magwenya noted that declining public confidence in law enforcement agencies is a major concern for the President. He said the decisive steps being taken are meant to reassure South Africans that accountability will be enforced and that no one is above the law.
He added that the revelations from the commission are unsettling for the country, especially as they involve leaders tasked with maintaining justice and public safety.