Presidential Proclamation of Inquiry into Allegations of High-Level Impropriety

 MEDIA STATEMENT

Johannesburg, Sunday, 13 July 2025 — Public Interest SA welcomes the decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish a judicial commission of inquiry into serious allegations of impropriety involving the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu; SAPS Deputy National Commissioner Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya; an unnamed member of the judiciary; and several individuals in the private sector.

The inquiry follows explosive revelations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, during a public address last Sunday, which have raised legitimate concerns about the integrity of our justice and law enforcement institutions.

We commend the President for appointing the soon-to-be-retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga to chair the commission. Justice Madlanga's impeccable legal credentials, ethical standing, and seniority on the Constitutional Court render him exceptionally suited to lead an inquiry of this magnitude and sensitivity. His appointment is particularly appropriate given that the allegations extend to a sitting member of the judiciary.

Public Interest SA acknowledges and supports the President’s decision to suspend Minister Mchunu pending the outcome of the inquiry, as well as Parliament’s resolve to activate its own accountability mechanisms to hold implicated public functionaries to account. These measures underscore a welcome commitment to transparency, good governance, and the integrity of public office.

At the same time, we reaffirm the principle of the presumption of innocence. All individuals named in these allegations are entitled to due process and a fair hearing, in line with the foundational values of our constitutional democracy. The inquiry must not serve as a substitute for fair judicial procedures, but rather as a credible and independent means to establish the facts.

We also welcome the appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia as Acting Minister of Police. As a former MEC for Safety in Gauteng and the current Chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, Professor Cachalia brings a wealth of experience and integrity that is vital to restoring stability and public confidence in the Ministry during this period.

Tebogo Khaas, Chairperson of Public Interest SA stated: "We recognise the gravity of the responsibility borne by the President and those he has entrusted with the arduous task of probing these serious allegations. At the same time, we are acutely aware of the demoralising impact such allegations may have on the many diligent, committed, and honourable members of the South African Police Service. Nevertheless, we believe that these principled officers will ultimately welcome this decisive intervention as a necessary step toward restoring the integrity of the police service by rooting out elements of corruption within its ranks.

While the allegations are deeply concerning, we must guard against a rush to judgment. The presumption of innocence is not just a legal principle — it is a cornerstone of ethical governance. Our call is for truth, transparency, and ultimately, justice without delay.

While recognising the need for a comprehensive and impartial investigation, we urge that the commission proceed with appropriate urgency and cost-efficiency. The protracted and resource-intensive nature of the Zondo Commission must not be repeated. South Africans deserve an outcome-oriented inquiry that delivers timely findings and recommendations that lead to real accountability."

In a climate where the rule of law faces significant strain, it is essential that all persons implicated, if found to have acted unlawfully or unethically, are held to account without fear or favour. The credibility of our public institutions and the public's trust in democratic governance demand nothing less.

END

_____ 

📸 Theo Jeptha, Luba Letsolle and Deaan Vivier/Gallo Images

Issued by:

Bagaetsho Oteng | Media & Communications | Public Interest SA

Email: media@publicinterest.org.za | Website: www.publicinterest.org.za