The Presidency said the matters referred relate to allegations of 'criminality, corruption, fraud, murder, perjury and other unlawful actions' by officials within Saps.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the interim report of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which found prima facie evidence of wrongdoing against several current and former employees of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, as well as senior members of the South African Police Service (Saps).
The interim report, submitted on 17 December 2025, stems from the commission of inquiry into criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system, established in July last year following explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The commission is chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, assisted by Advocates Sesi Baloyi SC and Sandile Khumalo SC.
President accepts recommendations
The Presidency on Thursday said Ramaphosa had studied the interim report and “accepts its recommendations”, including referrals for immediate criminal investigations, urgent prosecutorial decisions and recommendations regarding the suspension and employment status of implicated individuals.
“President Ramaphosa further welcomes the referrals by the commission of matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution, as well as recommendations on the employment status and recommended suspension of individuals,” it said.
The commission, under its terms of reference, is empowered to consider prima facie evidence of wrongdoing, recommend suspensions pending further investigation, and refer matters for criminal investigation and prosecution.
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Ekurhuleni officials implicated
Significantly, the commission found prima facie evidence of wrongdoing relating to nine current and former employees of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD).
Those listed are:
- Suspended EMPD chief of police commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi
- EMPD officer Bafana Twala
- EMPD officer Aiden McKenzie
- EMPD officer Kershia Leigh Stols
- Former EMM city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi
- EEM fleet manager and proxy Chris Steyn
- EEM head of human resources Linda Gxasheka
- EEM head of legal, Advocate Kemi Behari
- Etienne van der Walt
According to the Presidency, the matters referred relate to allegations of “criminality, corruption, fraud, murder, perjury and other unlawful actions” by officials within Saps, the City of Ekurhuleni and the EMPD.
Saps members also referred
The commission also made referrals involving five Saps officials:
- Major General Lesetja Senona
- Major General Richard Shibiri
- Brigadier Mbangwa Nkhwashu
- Brigadier Rachel Matjeng
- Sergeant Fannie Nkosi
Where the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is already seized with matters, the commission will seek explanations for delays in investigations.
“Some of the implicated individuals will return to the commission to respond to allegations presented against them, and more witnesses are yet to deliver their evidence.”
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Allegations not yet findings
The Presidency stressed that, with the exception of EMPD chief Julius Mkhwanazi, the commission has not yet heard responses from some of the individuals listed.
“The allegations against them remain prima facie allegations only and are not findings of the commission,” the statement said.
However, it added that the seriousness of the allegations warranted immediate referrals for investigation and possible disciplinary, prosecutorial or regulatory action.
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Special task team established
To fast-track investigations, Ramaphosa has directed Police Minister Firoz Cachalia and Saps national commissioner General Fannie Masemola to establish a special investigations task team.
“The task team will institute investigations against people identified by the commission for investigation.
“Establishing a special unit is critical to ensure that these investigations take place as a matter of urgency,” the Presidency said.
Ramaphosa has also called on all law enforcement agencies and criminal justice institutions to act swiftly in implementing the commission’s recommendations to help restore public trust and strengthen the state’s capacity to fight crime and corruption.
“The president looks forward to the finalisation of the commission’s work and its contribution to the effective functioning of law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system.”
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