Madlanga Commission: EMPD Chief Julius Mkhwanazi Among Officers To Face Criminal Investigation

Published 29 Jan 2026

by Tebogo Mokwena reviewed by Roxanne Dos Ramos

3 min read

President Cyril Ramaphosa has accepted the recommendations made in the Madlanga Commission's interim report, which includes the list of officials to be investigated
These include top officials like Major General Lesetja Senona, suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department Chief Julius Mkhwanazi, and other EMPD officers
The list also names City of Ekurhuleni officials who could face various charges after the infiltration of the EMPD was exposed during testimonies before the Commission

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With 10 years’ experience, Tebogo Mokwena, Briefly News’ Deputy Head of the Current Affairs desk, South Africa, provided insights into the criminal justice system, crime statistics, commissions of inquiry, and high-profile cases in South Africa at Daily Sun.

President Cyril Ramaphosa named officers who will be facing criminal charges — Cyril Ramaphosa has named officers who will be charged. Image: Phill Magakoe / AFP via Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

PRETORIA, GAUTENG — Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Chief Julius Mkhwanazi is one of the officials and EMPD officers who will be investigated. President Cyril Ramaphosa released the names of officials who will be probed as per the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

Names of the officials to face legal action

These include the head of the Hawks in KwaZulu-Natal, Major General Lesetja Senona, the head of Organised Crime in the South African Police Service, Major General Richard Shibiri, the commissioner of the Sedibeng district, General Mbangwa Nkhwashu, and Brigadier Rachel Matjeng. Ramaphosa also directed Police Minister Firoz Cachalia to establish a new unit to investigate the allegations raised during testimonies.

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EMPD Chief Julius Mkhwanazi will be facing criminal charges — Julius Mkhwanazi is facing prosecution. Image: Alpha Ramushwana/X
Source: Twitter

The other officials who will be facing criminal charges include employees of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. These include the former City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi, who testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, the fleet manager Mr Chris Steyn, the Head of the Department of Human Resources, Linda Gxasheka, the head of legal Advocate Kemi Behari, and Etienne van der Walt.

EMPD officers Bafana Twala, Aiden McKenzie, and Kershia Leigh Stols will also be charged. The Presidency noted that, except for Mkhwanazi, who testified before the Commission, some of the names included on the list have not testified.

South Africans are not pleased

Netizens commenting on X were not moved by the list of officials to face the law.

EarthOddysey said:

"South Africans have seen too many commissions end in shelves and silence. This one must lead to real consequences, or it's just another delay tactic."

Nathi said:

"This man won't do anything even when the evidence is there, presenting itself. He won't remove Mchunu. Maumela, his nephew, won't be arrested for his crimes."

Obed said:

"We continue to investigate the evidence presented as a form of investigation through a commission of inquiry that was presented with evidence to make recommendations that need to be investigated."

General Senona admits to giving Cat Matlala sensitive information

In a related article, Briefly News reported that Senona admitted that he forwarded information about the South African Police Service to suspected cartel boss, Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala.

Senona testified that he did not think that he was wrong for sending Matlala a police affidavit. He testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.