Judicial inquiry established to probe South African law enforcement

Following an explosive media briefing by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on Sunday night, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the establishment of a judicial inquiry to investigate allegations of corruption within the law enforcement sector.

Last week, he made allegations of interference by police minister Senzo Mchunu and his involvement in organized crime networks. During his address, Ramaphosa warned that if the allegations are true, they pose a threat to national security.

The inquiry, chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, will investigate senior police and intelligence officials, political leaders, prosecutors, and other members of the judiciary. The commission is also authorized to investigate matters related to whistleblower intimidation and systematic failures within oversight mechanisms.

Meanwhile, Mchunu has been placed on immediate leave, while Firoz Cachalia, a law professor and chair of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, has been appointed as interim minister. He will officially take up this role in August.

The move has been widely welcomed, despite criticism that it will yield no results, as with the previous inquiry into state capture. The president urged support for the investigation and requested contributions towards any relevant information that could be of assistance.