Is South Africa's Police Corruption Tied to a Drug Cartel and a Murdered Witness?

Recent allegations of corruption and political interference within South Africa's police force have emerged from two public inquiries, casting a spotlight on the influence of organised crime in governance. This issue became particularly prominent following claims by Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who alleged that drug cartels have infiltrated the government, leading President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish a commission to investigate these serious accusations.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The situation surrounding the South African police force has escalated, with a significant investigation underway following explosive allegations made by high-ranking police officials. Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's claims of government infiltration by drug cartels have resulted in public inquiries led by retired Constitutional Court judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga. As the inquiries unfold, a troubling narrative of political connections to organised crime is emerging, raising serious concerns about the integrity of law enforcement and governance in South Africa.

Key takeaways

• Allegations of a drug trafficking cartel linked to government officials have surfaced.
• Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has been suspended amid claims of ties to organised crime.
• A witness involved in the commission was murdered shortly after testifying.

Timeline: how we got here

The unfolding events can be traced back to key moments over the past few months:

• July 2023: Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleges that organised crime groups have infiltrated the South African government.
• August 2023: President Cyril Ramaphosa establishes the Madlanga Commission to investigate these allegations.
• September 2023: The commission begins hearings, with Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi as the first witness.
• October 2023: Ongoing testimonies reveal links between crime figures and government officials, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent testimonies have highlighted the existence of a drug cartel known as the "Big Five," allegedly linked to high-ranking officials. The allegations include claims of political funding and manipulation of police investigations, which have raised alarm bells regarding the integrity of public safety mechanisms.

What was already established

Prior to these inquiries, public suspicion of corruption within the police force was prevalent, but definitive evidence linking organised crime to political figures was largely circumstantial. The testimony of Lt-Gen Khumalo has provided a more detailed narrative, suggesting systematic corruption that extends beyond mere allegations.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the events transpiring in South Africa primarily affect its citizens, the implications of systemic corruption within a law enforcement agency can serve as a cautionary tale for the UK. Issues of public trust in police forces and government institutions resonate globally, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in governance.

Businesses and jobs

For UK businesses, especially those operating in or dealing with South Africa, the revelations could affect investment decisions and partnerships. Confidence in a stable political and legal environment is crucial for international commerce, and ongoing corruption investigations could deter potential foreign investments.

Policy and regulation

As the inquiries progress, the UK government may monitor the outcomes closely, especially regarding international relations and security cooperation with South Africa. Should substantial evidence of corruption emerge, it could lead to changes in how the UK engages with South African authorities.

Numbers that matter

• 25 criminal charges against businessman Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala, including attempted murder.
• 1m rand (£45,000) allegedly demanded as a "facilitation fee" by former Police Minister Bheki Cele.
• 3 government departments allegedly under the control of the "Big Five" cartel, according to witness testimony.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Big Five: A term used to describe a drug trafficking cartel allegedly operating in South Africa with ties to political figures.
• Madlanga Commission: A public inquiry established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate allegations of corruption within the South African police force.
• Political Killings Task Team (PKTT): An elite police unit previously investigating politically motivated murders, which was reportedly disbanded due to cartel interference.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the Madlanga Commission continues its hearings, stakeholders should stay informed about the testimonies and evidence being presented. The immediate focus will be on how officials respond to these allegations and whether further actions are taken against implicated individuals.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the coming months, as the final report of the commission is expected, we may see increased pressure for reform within the police force. Depending on the findings, there could be a push for greater accountability measures and the establishment of more robust oversight mechanisms.

Signals to watch

• Updates on the final report from the Madlanga Commission, expected in early 2024.
• Reactions from the South African government and any proposed reforms in law enforcement practices.
• Any subsequent legal actions taken against individuals implicated in the inquiries.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about the developments arising from the Madlanga Commission hearings.
• Engage with community discussions on police accountability and governance.
• Consider the broader implications of these events for governance in your own region.

Don’t

• Dismiss the importance of these inquiries as isolated incidents; they reflect systemic issues that can affect governance globally.
• Ignore calls for transparency and accountability in law enforcement and political systems.

Checklist

• Follow credible news sources for updates on the commission findings.
• Monitor government responses to the allegations and proposed reforms.
• Discuss the implications of these events within your community or professional circles.
• Reflect on the importance of integrity in law enforcement and governance.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the inquiries have revealed significant allegations, it's crucial to note that these are still ongoing investigations. The outcomes may take time, and various factors could influence the findings and recommendations. Additionally, the safety of witnesses and the potential for retaliation against those speaking out against corruption poses a serious risk, as evidenced by the recent murder of a witness.

Bottom line

The ongoing investigations into corruption within the South African police force highlight critical issues surrounding governance and accountability. As these inquiries unfold, the impact on public trust and the potential for reforms will be closely watched, not just in South Africa but also by observers worldwide.

FAQs

What is the Madlanga Commission?

The Madlanga Commission is a public inquiry established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate allegations of corruption and political interference within the South African police force.

Who is Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala?

Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala is a businessman currently facing multiple criminal charges, including attempted murder, and is alleged to have connections with high-ranking political figures.

What happened to the witness who testified at the Madlanga Commission?

A witness known as Marius van der Merwe was murdered shortly after giving testimony, raising concerns about the safety of individuals who speak out against corruption.