At least 14 high-ranking officials from the SAPS and the City of Ekurhuleni have been referred for investigation after the Madlanga Commission identified them as possible wrongdoers.

According to the South African Government News Agency, the referrals were confirmed in a statement issued by the Presidency on Thursday following the submission of the commission’s interim report.

The Madlanga Commission submitted its interim report and recommendations to President Cyril Ramaphosa in December last year. The President has since studied and accepted the findings.

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“President Ramaphosa welcomes the referrals by the commission about matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution, as well as recommendations on the employment status and suspension of individuals,” the Presidency said.

The commission made the referrals after finding prima facie evidence of wrongdoing. These matters will now be investigated by the SAPS, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and the City of Ekurhuleni.

“The matters highlighted concern allegations of criminality, corruption, fraud, murder, perjury, and other unlawful actions by officials and officers employed by the SAPS, the City of Ekurhuleni, and the EMPD,” the statement read.

Where IPID is already handling certain cases, the commission will request updates on the progress of investigations and explanations for delays.

The SAPS officials referred for investigation include Major General Lesetja Senona, Major General Richard Shibiri, Brigadier Mbangwa Nkhwashu, Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, and Sergeant Fannie Nkosi.

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The commission also found prima facie evidence of wrongdoing involving current and former EMPD employees, including suspended EMPD chief of police Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi, EMPD officers Bafana Twala, Aiden McKenzie, and Kershia Leigh Stols, the former city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi, fleet manager Chris Steyn, head of human resources Linda Gxasheka, head of legal Advocate Kemi Behari, and Etienne van der Walt.

President Ramaphosa has called on all law enforcement agencies and criminal justice institutions to act swiftly on the commission’s recommendations.

“Immediate action will help to restore public trust and strengthen operational capacity in state entities tasked with fighting crime and corruption,” the Presidency said.

The statement noted that some implicated individuals are expected to return to the commission to respond to allegations, while further witnesses are still due to present their evidence.

The Presidency emphasised that, except for the EMPD chief, some individuals listed have not yet responded to the allegations and that these remain prima facie findings, not conclusions.

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The Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, and the SAPS national commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, have been directed to establish a special investigation task team, which will report directly to the national commissioner and prioritise the cases identified by the commission.

President Ramaphosa also expressed appreciation to the commission chairperson, retired Justice Madlanga, Commissioners Baloyi and Khumalo, and the commission staff for their work. He said he looked forward to the final report and its contribution to strengthening law enforcement and the criminal justice system.