PRETORIA — The Madlanga Commission has laid bare a staggering reality: South Africa’s criminal justice system is grappling with systemic police corruption and organized crime syndicates that have infiltrated the highest echelons of law enforcement. According to Lebogang Ramafoko, Executive Director of Corruption Watch, the ongoing inquiry is merely scratching the surface of a deeply entrenched criminal network that demands immediate and comprehensive structural reform.
Ramafoko welcomed the President’s recent indication that the commission’s timeframe could be extended if necessary to fully uncover the truth. She noted that this flexibility acknowledges the sheer volume of evidence being uncovered and the competence displayed by the commission in holding witnesses accountable. However, she cautioned that exposing the truth is only the first step.
“The critical question is the follow-through,” Ramafoko stated, emphasizing the need for adequate budgets and personnel to ensure that investigations translate into successful court convictions, rather than just leaving suspects in “orange overalls.” To ensure cases withstand judicial scrutiny, civil society groups, spearheaded by the Dale Institute, are actively pushing for amendments to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Act to bolster its investigative capabilities.
The gravity of the commission’s findings was underscored by the revelation that Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala intends to turn state witness. Ramafoko described this as a pivotal moment, suggesting that the complex web of organized crime did not anticipate such a rigorous reckoning regarding arrests and suspensions. She reiterated Corruption Watch’s long-standing stance that South African corruption is not merely the act of a few rogue individuals, but a structural and systemic pandemic.
This systemic rot is most evident within the South African Police Service (SAPS). Ramafoko highlighted public reports from 2025 detailing rampant bribery, missing police dockets, and the extortion of immigrants. The commission has also scrutinized the opaque promotion of Major General Khan within crime intelligence. Echoing sentiments similar to those raised by General Jamanazi regarding Khan’s rapid rise, Ramafoko argued that a lack of public scrutiny in appointments allows mediocre and criminal elements to rise to power, transforming police leadership into a vehicle for self-enrichment rather than crime-fighting.
The inquiry’s focus on organized crime aligns with recent high-profile personnel changes in the SAPS. On June 5, 2026, Richard Shibiri, the head of organized crime, was dismissed. Shortly after, on June 26, 2026, Major General Lesetja Senona resigned with immediate effect, a move that came only after the SAPS initially rejected his earlier retirement notice.
The corruption, however, extends far beyond the police ranks into the political sphere. Ramafoko pointed out the absurdity of the current situation where the police minister is on suspension, forcing taxpayers to fund two ministers simultaneously. She attributed the President’s difficulty in removing the minister to internal political shenanigans within the ANC, illustrating how compromised political structures shield criminal networks and manipulate public procurement.
When asked about the potential links between senior police officers and illegal mining syndicates, Ramafoko traced the origins of this state capture back to the arms deal, noting that politicians have long been influenced by narrow, selfish agendas. She also warned that the “just energy transition” could similarly be exploited for opaque deals if transparency is not strictly enforced. She clarified that *zama zamas* are not just desperate individuals digging in disused mines, but are employed by high-level financiers, raising serious questions about the illicit money trails and the political elites protecting these operations.
To combat what she described as a “pandemic,” Ramafoko voiced strong support for the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council’s recommendation to establish a permanent, independent, and well-resourced anti-corruption body. She argued that ad-hoc commissions are no longer sufficient to tackle such deeply embedded criminality.
The societal toll of this corruption is devastating. Ramafoko cited instances where police officers confiscated drug consignments only to sell them back into the communities, fueling addiction in countless households, many of which are headed by women.
“This is treason,” Ramafoko declared. “It’s not only corruption; it is the highest form of treason.” She urged civil society and ordinary citizens to recognize the severity of the crisis, demand accountability, and unmask the political and police elites who have weaponized their power for criminal gain.