Witness protection confirmed as Mkhwanazi prepares to testify at Madlanga Commission
KwaZulu‑Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lt‑Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to testify at the Madlanga Commission on September 17.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
The Madlanga Commission has confirmed that KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lt-Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi will receive full protection as he prepares to be the first witness in the inquiry.
The inquiry set to begin on September 17, 2025, will investigate allegations of corruption, political interference, and criminal syndicate infiltration within the police ministry.
Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday, Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said that consultations with Mkhwanazi are ongoing in the lead-up to the commission's first public hearing.
All witnesses will be afforded protection, whether they testify on-camera or behind closed doors, Michaels stated, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to witness safety.
Mkhwanazi is expected to provide explosive testimony detailing how organised criminal elements have allegedly infiltrated key law enforcement structures — including SAPS, Crime Intelligence, and other state institutions.
In anticipation of further disclosures, the commission has launched a confidential public hotline to gather relevant information.
“The hotline includes several secure platforms, such as a direct phone line allowing members of the public to share information confidentially with trained operators,” Michaels explained.
“This is critical to supporting the commission’s broad mandate.”
The commission also addressed concerns over recent delays.
Initially slated to begin on September 1, the hearings were postponed due to challenges in the installation and testing of critical ICT infrastructure. Those issues have now been resolved.
“While the delay in securing the necessary ICT systems was unfortunate, we can confirm that all systems are now up and running,” Michaels added.
Meanwhile, Parliament’s Ad-Hoc Committee on Police and Justice has expressed interest in Mkhwanazi’s testimony, citing potential far-reaching legal and political implications for the SAPS and broader justice system.
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