By Mapaballo Borotho
- KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s explosive allegations on 6 July 2025 sparked one of the biggest anti-corruption crackdowns in South Africa’s recent history.
- His claims led to the establishment of the Madlanga Commission and investigations that have resulted in arrests, suspensions, resignations and dismissals of several law enforcement officials.
- One year later, many South Africans believe his disclosures fundamentally changed the fight against organised crime and corruption.
Today, 6 July 2026, marks exactly one year since KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi exposed shocking corruption allegations within South Africa’s criminal justice system.
On this day in 2025, the country was left shaken after the commissioner alleged that some officials were connected to alleged crime and underworld figures.
Since then, the country has seen several officials, particularly within law enforcement, get suspended, resign, or be dismissed due to their alleged links to corrupt figures.
Groups such as the alleged Big 5 cartel operating in Gauteng were exposed. Police officers allegedly involved in covering up murder cases were also exposed, along with officials accused of protecting underworld figures.
Mkhwanazi’s briefing prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish the Madlanga Commission, which is investigating allegations of corruption and criminality within South Africa’s criminal justice system.
Since the establishment of the inquiry, a number of individuals and organisations have been exposed for alleged incompetence and corruption.
Notable developments since the July 6 briefing
Since that briefing, several law enforcement officials have been arrested, mostly in connection with the controversial Medicare24 tender. At the centre of the R360 million SAPS tender is controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Thirteen police officers, including National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, are facing criminal charges, while a further 15 members are the subject of disciplinary proceedings.
Meanwhile, a police brigadier who claimed she had an affair with Matlala was recently dismissed from the South African Police Service (SAPS) for misconduct and her links to Matlala.
Mkhwanazi also alleged that high-level officials, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, were colluding with a criminal syndicate. Following these claims, Mchunu was placed on special leave. He has since remained adamant that he was not involved in any corruption.
The list of law enforcement officials implicated in investigations linked to alleged organised crime figure Matlala continues to grow. A senior Hawks official, Lesetja Senona, has resigned. At the same time, two other officers have been dismissed, adding to the widening fallout from probes into alleged ties between organised crime and South Africa’s policing structures.
Despite the allegations that threw the country into turmoil, many South Africans continue to praise Mkhwanazi for his bravery.
Many believe organised crime and corruption are far from over, but say that with law enforcement officers like him, the country is moving in the right direction.
Meanwhile, Matlala is expected to appear before the Madlaga Commission of Inquiry for his highly anticipated testimony on Tuesday, 07 July 2026.
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