Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi Says Criminal Justice System Faces Risk of Collapse During Madlanga Commission
- Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi opened testimony in the eagerly-awaited Madlanga Commission
- The KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner explained why he made the allegations he did on 6 July 2025 in a press briefing
- South Africans shared their thoughts about Mkhwanazi's testimony and their concerns about the commission
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Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has doubled down on previous allegations and warned that South Africa’s justice system is at risk of “total collapse”.
General Mkhwanazi made the admission when he opened testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry at the Bridgette Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria on 17 September 2025. The KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner explained that it was for this reason that he held his infamous press briefing on 6 July 2025, in which he made allegations of political interference in the criminal justice system.
What did General Mkhwanazi say?
During his testimony at the commission, evidence leader Advocate Mahlape Sello, SC, questioned him about the July briefing.
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KZN’s top cop said that the reason for his briefing was to inform the public about the challenges the South African Police Service (SAPS) faced.
“These challenges involve criminality, political interference in our work, and corruption within the justice system, of which we are a part as law enforcement,” he said.
He also confirmed that he did not author the statement alone, adding that it was the result of collective efforts by various units within the SAPS who were hoping to find a resolution to the issues plaguing the criminal justice system, saying it was under threat.
“It has been my aim to demonstrate that the criminal justice system has been under continuous threat and sabotage.
“We believe it is at real risk of total collapse if nothing is done,” Mkhwanazi said.
The Provincial Police Commissioner expressed hope that the Madlanga Commission would assist in preventing the justice system from collapsing.
Mkhwanazi carries his own water to the commission
With the Lieutenant-General making headlines for his briefing in July, many were worried about his safety, concerned that someone might attempt to silence him.
Security was reinforced at his home, and South Africans threw their weight behind him. It was hilarious then when Economic Freedom Fighters member, Tebogo Mahlangu, pointed out that Mkhwanazi carried his own water to the commission.
What you need to know about the Madlanga Commission
- President Cyril Ramaphosa established the Commission of Inquiry in response to Mkhwanazi’s allegations.
- Political parties slammed President Ramaphosa’s decision to establish the commission.
- The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development confirmed that the inquiry would cost R147.9 million.
- On 26 August 2025, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi suspended two people for the Madlanga Commission delays.
- On 5 September 2025, it was announced that Mkhwanazi would appear before the commission and the Ad Hoc Committee.
Source: Getty Images
How did South Africans react to the news?
Social media users shared mixed reactions to the start of the commission. While some showed support for the police commissioner, others speculated whether anything would happen to those implicated.
Malome Khoza
The truth shall set us free and save us. Thank you for your courage, General Mkhwanazi. The nation is behind you.”
Emmanuel Nxumalo suggested:
“The SA political landscape needs to change. Mkhwanazi was supposed to be the Minister of Police.”
Evonn Nel stated:
“They will get away as usual. We will not hear a thing.”
SP-wey Dhlamini added:
“A very eloquent speaker. You can tell he knows why he's there. But see the smear campaigns coming in like clockwork. Regardless, he told us what we knew was already rotten. Khuluma Baba Mkhwanazi, khuluma.”
Xolani Mlaba stated:
“It's true, and the judiciary is the gatekeeper. They are rotten to the core.”
Zoe Masombuka asked:
“After the truth comes out, what is going to happen with suspects?”
Copies of task team dockets to be handed to Madlanga Commission
Briefly News reported that copies of the 121 dockets would be sent to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
The dockets were those being worked on by the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Political Killings Task Team.
They were recently returned to the team after they were initially taken away, allegedly by Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya.
Source: Briefly News
