A judicial commission appointed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has begun public hearings into allegations that senior political and police figures interfered with criminal investigations and had links to organised crime networks.
According to Africanews, KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi was the first witness before the three-member panel in Pretoria. He warned that the criminal justice system had faced sustained threats and sabotage and could be at risk if the allegations were not addressed.
Mkhwanazi first made the claims in July, accusing Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and other senior officials of obstructing investigations, including probes into politically motivated killings. Ramaphosa subsequently suspended Mchunu and established the commission, which is chaired by a former Constitutional Court judge.
Mkhwanazi also alleged that Mchunu received payments from businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who faces murder and money-laundering charges, and claimed the minister helped dismantle an investigative team to protect politically connected individuals. Mchunu has rejected the allegations and is expected to testify.
The commission is expected to deliver an interim report within three months. Its findings are not binding, meaning implementation of any recommendations will depend on the presidency.
Source: Africanews
