Durban — The Judicial Commission of Inquiry chaired by Justice Sisi Khampepe and commonly known as the Madlanga Commission is set to turn its focus to allegations that members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) operated extra‑judicial 'hit squads' in KwaZulu‑Natal.
New line of inquiry opens in KZN
Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirmed on Tuesday that the inquiry would examine claims that police members carried out unlawful killings while presenting themselves as a task team. The investigation will consider allegations that these units targeted suspects linked to several types of criminal activity.
“The Commission will today shift its focus to alleged hit squads operating in KwaZulu‑Natal and consisting of members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) who allegedly commit extra‑judicial killings,” Michaels said.
The first witness in this theme is expected to appear when proceedings resume at 09:30. The Commission has already been hearing testimony on related matters, and this new strand will add focussed scrutiny on conduct by serving or former police members.
Who and what the inquiry will examine
According to the Commission spokesperson, the allegations to be explored include claims that police officers:
- targeted suspects involved in cash‑in‑transit (CIT) robberies;
- engaged taxi operators;
- targeted members of alleged drug syndicates;
- presented operations under the guise of an official Task Team.
The Commission will hear evidence about how these operations were planned, authorised, and carried out, and whether they involved collusion or direction from within police structures.
Connections to broader testimony
The move to open this theme comes after further testimony from IDAC prosecutor Drushantha Ramsamy. His evidence has raised additional questions about an earlier allegation involving Democratic Alliance MP Ian Cameron and purported plans to implicate or arrest senior police leaders, including National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo.
Ramsamy’s testimony also prompted scrutiny over how then‑IDAC head Andrea Johnson and her associates may have had advance knowledge of questions Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police intended to pose to Masemola. This line of inquiry suggests possible co‑ordination between parliamentary actors and IDAC officials, an inference the Commission will test.
Parliamentary matter runs alongside inquiry
Separately, Parliament has rejected an explanation by National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams that a faulty parliamentary laptop prevented him from submitting an affidavit to the Commission on time. Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said there was no record of Adams experiencing “serious or persistent” problems with his parliamentary laptop.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Commission | Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry |
| Focus | Alleged SAPS hit squads in KwaZulu‑Natal |
| First witness (new theme) | Expected at 09:30 when proceedings resume |
Why it matters locally
Claims that police personnel may have been involved in extra‑judicial killings strike at the heart of public confidence in policing in KwaZulu‑Natal. The province has long grappled with violent organised crime linked to cash‑in‑transit robberies, armed taxi conflicts and narcotics networks. If proven, allegations of unlawful killings by those sworn to protect the public would represent a severe abuse of authority and complicate efforts to restore trust between communities and law enforcement.
The Commission’s hearings are likely to draw testimony from victims’ families, former and current police members, intelligence officials and parliamentary actors. The evidence may prompt recommendations for disciplinary or criminal action, policy reforms, or structural changes within the SAPS and oversight bodies.
What to expect next
Proceedings will continue with the new witness list, and the Commission will consider how these allegations fit into its wider mandate to investigate police conduct and institutional failings. The public and affected communities in KwaZulu‑Natal will be watching closely for clarity on whether these claims reflect rogue elements within the service or indicate systemic problems that require urgent correction.
Reporting from the Commission will continue as further testimony is heard and the inquiry tests the evidence around these serious allegations.
