Crime Intelligence
Crime intelligence resources, including a firearm and vehicle, were used in the murder of former ANC Youth League secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa, the Madlanga Commission was told, while thirty-four police officers have been arrested and charged for various roles they played in cases of political killings. This was revealed by National Police Commissioner Fanie Masemola during his testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Monday.
Police Arrests Highlight Deep-Rooted Complicity in Political Violence
In a revelation that underscores the pervasive corruption within South Africa’s law enforcement, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola disclosed that 34 South African Police Service officers have been arrested for their involvement in politically motivated killings. These arrests, spanning roles from direct participation in murders to obstructing justice, were shared during Masemola’s testimony at the Madlanga Commission in Pretoria on 22 September 2025. The figures were displayed on screens as brief evidence during the sitting, emphasising the scale of police entanglement in crimes they are meant to prevent. Masemola praised the Political Killings Task Team as “unmatched” in its effectiveness, crediting it with breakthroughs that have reduced such violence in hotspots like KwaZulu-Natal.
This admission comes amid a national crisis of political assassinations, where over 450 killings have been recorded in KZN alone since 2011, often tied to ANC infighting over tenders and positions. The task team, formed in 2018 after the Moerane Commission’s recommendations, has revived cold cases and secured convictions, but faces threats of disbandment. Masemola’s revelations come amid growing concerns over the integrity of the SAPS, with the commission probing allegations of high-level interference and corruption. The arrests highlight a pattern of abuse, where state resources meant for fighting crime have instead been used to perpetrate it, eroding public trust in the force.
The Sindiso Magaqa Murder: Crime Intelligence’s Dark Role Exposed
The commission’s focus intensified on the 2017 murder of former African National Congress Youth League secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa, a case emblematic of political violence in South Africa. During his testimony on Friday, KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi dropped a bombshell: “The firearm that was used in the murder of Sindiso Magaqa and the vehicle that was used in the murder of Sindiso Magaqa are the resources that came from Crime Intelligence.”
Magaqa, known for exposing corruption in the Harry Gwala District Municipality, was ambushed in July 2017 alongside councillors Thabiso Zulu and Nontsikelelo Biyela. He died in September 2017 from his injuries. Investigations revealed the attack was orchestrated over tender disputes, with hitmen promised contracts in exchange. In June 2025, a hitman’s confession in court exposed National Prosecuting Authority officials’ alleged role in tampering with evidence to protect perpetrators. Former municipal manager Stanley Sikhosana was arrested in July 2025 as a mastermind as a mastermind, facing charges alongside others.
Whistleblower Thabiso Zulu, Magaqa’s ally, expressed no surprise at police involvement, citing patterns in similar cases. “I would not be surprised if even in the murder case of Maqatha Mchunu it is found that rogue crime intelligence police officers were involved,” Zulu said in earlier statements. The confession also implicated state funding for the hit, with a subsequent murder of a potential witness to cover tracks. This misuse of Crime Intelligence resources—intended for national security—illustrates how the unit has been weaponised in factional battles.
Masemola’s Testimony: Pressure to Disband the Task Team
Much of Masemola’s testimony was centred around the KwaZulu-Natal political killings task team, and how he felt the instruction by Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu to disband the unit was unlawful. He told the commission he was not consulted before Mchunu’s 31 December 2024 directive, describing it as an “encroachment” on his operational powers. Masemola argued the minister overstepped, as he retains authority over deployments under the Constitution.
However, the commission was left baffled by some of Masemola’s contradictory statements. While deeming the order illegal, he admitted to preparing a phased disbandment report in January 2025, effectively accepting it in principle. “You may not have gotten to the stage of actually killing it, but you had accepted that it must be killed – in a phased manner. So you basically accepted the instruction,” Chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga probed. Masemola conceded but clarified no formal disbandment occurred.
Madlanga Commission: Masemola admits to pressure to disband political killings task team, highlighting internal conflicts within the SAPS leadership. Analysts suggest Mchunu’s decision showed disregard for national security, as the task team had no performance issues. Mkhwanazi testified that “someone influenced” Mchunu, providing proof of links to crime syndicates.
Presidential Awareness and Lack of Intervention
Masemola tells Madlanga Commission that he informed Ramaphosa about Mchunu’s attempt to disband Political Killings Task Team. He sought presidential intervention but received no feedback, leaving the matter in limbo. This inaction raises questions about executive oversight in combating political violence.
The commission also delved into allegations against suspended Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. Masemola linked Sibiya to underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a convicted criminal tied to extortion syndicates. A whistleblower’s report prompted Sibiya’s suspension in September 2025, amid claims he attempted to disband the PKTT and had ties that compromised investigations. Sibiya denies this, accusing Masemola of scapegoating him.
Mkhwanazi, the first witness, escalated matters by reporting the disbandment to the Portfolio Committee on Police. His testimony accused Mchunu and Sibiya of shielding allies and interfering in probes, including an attempt to arrest an MK Party candidate to favour the ANC.
The Madlanga Commission: Background and Scope
The Madlanga Commission, established in August 2025 after Mkhwanazi’s July allegations of high-level interference, investigates criminality, political meddling, and corruption in the justice system. Chaired by retired Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, with judges Thandi Norman and Gregory Kruger, it follows the Moerane Commission’s 2018 findings on KZN violence. Hearings, open to the public and streamed live, aim for an interim report by December 2025.
This is not the first inquiry into KZN’s violence; the 2018 Moerane Commission identified over 450 killings since 2011, linked to ANC infighting. Despite recommendations, implementation lagged, leading to the PKTT’s formation.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 115 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition of Central News | Headline: Ngwathe Municipality Refuses to Back Down, Heads to Supreme Court of Appeal
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Central-News-Issue-115-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube