In Conversation With Goodenough Mashego- political analyst
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The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry enters another critical phase this week as it turns its attention to the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC)—the specialised unit within the National Prosecuting Authority responsible for investigating and prosecuting complex corruption and state capture-related crimes.
The Commission was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2026 following explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who claimed that organised crime syndicates had infiltrated parts of South Africa’s law enforcement and criminal justice system. He further alleged that political interference, corruption and internal power struggles were undermining investigations into serious crimes and protecting politically connected individuals.
Since its establishment, the Commission—chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Sisi Khampepe? (Correction: Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, after whom the Commission is named)—has heard testimony from senior police officers, Hawks investigators, Crime Intelligence officials and other witnesses. Evidence has centred on allegations of interference in investigations, abuse of intelligence structures, procurement irregularities and failures within institutions responsible for combating organised crime and corruption.
This week’s hearings are expected to focus on IDAC after allegations were made before the Commission that the Directorate’s head, Andrea Johnson, may have interfered in an assault investigation involving suspended Crime Intelligence Major-General Feroz Khan. Those allegations were made by a retired Hawks investigator during earlier testimony. Johnson has not been found guilty of any wrongdoing and is expected to present her version of events before the Commission.
The Commission was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2026 following explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who claimed that organised crime syndicates had infiltrated parts of South Africa’s law enforcement and criminal justice system. He further alleged that political interference, corruption and internal power struggles were undermining investigations into serious crimes and protecting politically connected individuals.
Since its establishment, the Commission—chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Sisi Khampepe? (Correction: Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, after whom the Commission is named)—has heard testimony from senior police officers, Hawks investigators, Crime Intelligence officials and other witnesses. Evidence has centred on allegations of interference in investigations, abuse of intelligence structures, procurement irregularities and failures within institutions responsible for combating organised crime and corruption.
This week’s hearings are expected to focus on IDAC after allegations were made before the Commission that the Directorate’s head, Andrea Johnson, may have interfered in an assault investigation involving suspended Crime Intelligence Major-General Feroz Khan. Those allegations were made by a retired Hawks investigator during earlier testimony. Johnson has not been found guilty of any wrongdoing and is expected to present her version of events before the Commission.
