IPID Official Temporarily Removed From Madlanga Commission Duty Over Extortion Allegations
- An Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) official was removed from Madlanga Commission of Inquiry duty
- IPID indicated that it was waiting for a report from the officer regarding the allegations made by a witness at the Commission
- South Africans were in disbelief that an officer on duty at the Commission would be accused of corrupt activities as well
Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG – An Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) official has been removed from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry following allegations of extortion.
The official, who was on watching brief at the Commission at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria, allegedly requested five thousand rand to expedite a witness’s appearance at the Commission.
The Commission is currently probing allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption within the criminal justice system. It was set up by President Cyril Ramaphosa following the allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
DON'T MISS IT: Stay Away From Fake News With Our Short, Free Fact-Checking Course. Join And Get Certified!
The KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner claimed that senior officials like Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu were working together to shield criminal cartels operating in the country.
Official temporarily removed from Commission hearings
On 13 May 2026, the official was temporarily removed from duty at the Commission. IPID is also waiting for a report from the officer regarding the allegations.
A case of extortion was opened at the Alberton Police Station in April 2026, prompting IPID to look into the matter. No further details were released about the officer.
What you need to know about the commission and committee
- President Ramaphosa placed Minister Mchunu on special leave and established a commission of inquiry.
- Minister of Justice, Mmamoloko Kubayi, suspended two people for the delay in the commission.
- Mbuyiseni Ndlozi slammed Cyril Ramaphosa over the stalled Madlanga Commission.
- Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi will be the first person to appear before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee.
- The Ad Hoc Committee on Lt Gen Mkhwanazi’s claims elected Molapi Lekganyane as chairperson.
South Africans weigh in on the story
Social media users weighed in on the situation, expressing disbelief that an officer would be accused of corruption at a Commission investigating corruption.
Marthinus Stander stated:
“Jississss. You can't make this stuff up.”
Charlie Wax asked:
“Bathong. Kante, who's not corrupt in this country?”
Sanga Gregg Gqamane exclaimed:
“Haybo. During Madlanga, yey, people are brave.”
No Zihstak agreed:
“Imagine asking for a bribe at a Commission that is investigating corruption. Some people are brave.”
Tiea Mokonenyane stated:
“IPID seems to be a very corrupt entity. They aren’t able to hide it even in the middle of the ongoing investigations.”
Sacolo Sabonyandzeni Musawenkhosi said:
“So, the watchdog has its senior officer extorting a witness at a Commission investigating such conduct? Ay, this one has his or her ancestors turning their back on him. That's what our people would say.”
Ramaphosa vows to use reports to root out corruption
Briefly News reported that Ramaphosa previously vowed to use the reports of the Madlanga Commission and Ad Hoc Committee to root out corruption.
The president admitted that crime remained a major challenge in the country, saying that the police needed to do more to combat it.
South Africans took to social media to weigh in on Ramaphosa's comments, noting his previous comments about the Zondo Commission report.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
