KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi Testifies as Madlanga Commission Opens

PRETORIA, 17 Sept 2025 – KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi will take the stand today as the first witness before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which officially begins its hearings in Pretoria.

The high-profile commission, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is tasked with investigating allegations of infiltration within South Africa’s key state institutions. These include the South African Police Service (SAPS), Crime Intelligence, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the State Security Agency (SSA), Correctional Services, and even the Judiciary.

READ: General Mkhwanazi Accuses Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of Political Interference

Why Mkhwanazi’s testimony matters

Mkhwanazi has previously made explosive claims, warning that infiltration of state institutions poses a direct threat to national security and to the safety of ordinary South Africans. His testimony is expected to outline how such interference may have compromised law enforcement, intelligence gathering, and the justice system.

Speaking from Pretoria, broadcaster Sakina Kamwendo noted that South Africans have awaited this moment with “bated breath,” although caution remains given the country’s mixed history with commissions of inquiry.

Lessons from past commissions

South Africans remember the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the Seriti Commission on the Arms Deal, both of which raised public expectations but fell short in terms of decisive outcomes. Experts warn that while commissions provide vital fact-finding opportunities, their recommendations are not legally binding.

READ: Mkhwanazi Exposes Coordinated Campaign to Destroy Political Killings Task Team | Pointing at Minister Senzo Mchunu and Parliamentarian Fadiel Adams

Analysts believe that the Madlanga Commission’s impact will depend heavily on government’s political will to implement reforms once the final report is delivered. However, given the seriousness of Mkhwanazi’s allegations, observers argue that the state cannot afford to ignore the findings this time.

Parallel oversight in Parliament

The proceedings are also being closely monitored in Parliament, where a separate ad hoc committee has been formed to address similar concerns from a legislative perspective. This dual process is seen as a signal that government is under growing pressure to act decisively.

A historic moment in South Africa’s democracy

The first day of the Madlanga Commission could set the tone for one of the most consequential inquiries in South Africa’s democratic history. The spotlight now falls on Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi, whose evidence may determine how deeply state institutions have been compromised — and whether the government is truly prepared to restore public trust.