South Africa's Madlanga Commission probes alleged police-crime links
A South African public commission led by Justice Madlanga is examining alleged links between senior police officials and organised crime, BBC Africa reported. Testimony has covered alleged bribery and irregularities in narcotics operations.
BBC AfricaSouth Africa's public inquiry commission led by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga is continuing to examine alleged links between senior police officials and organised crime networks. According to BBC Africa, testimony given before the commission has covered alleged bribery linked to cosmetic-surgery operations, irregularities in narcotics operations and accounts of broken operational command chains. The allegations have not been established by any court ruling; the right of reply and the presumption of innocence apply.
The commission was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to address integrity questions within the police service. Police Union spokesperson Mzwandile Mvelo called for 'individual accountability not to be projected onto the institution'. Democratic Alliance (DA) Home Affairs spokesperson Andrew Whitfield said 'political oversight mechanisms must be strengthened'.
The commission is expected to deliver an interim report to the Presidency around mid-September and a final report towards year-end. New witness statements and assessment of financial transaction records will dominate the agenda in coming weeks. This commentary is not legal advice and is based solely on testimony in the public inquiry process.
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