LIVE | Madlanga Commission: Mkhwanazi resumes testimony – Brown Mogotsi under the spotlight
Day three of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry gets underway today, with public attention fixed on how the commission will handle the serious claims aired so far. The focus is expected to shift to institutional accountability within Crime Intelligence and the role of parliamentary oversight, following a tense second day that saw KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi make direct allegations against sitting MPs.
On Tuesday, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi gave explosive testimony that placed the conduct of lawmakers under scrutiny. His evidence raised concerns about the misuse of intelligence structures, political interference, and long-standing failures in oversight.
On Friday, Brown Mogotsi – who has alleged links to the underworld and connected to Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu- will come under the spotlight.
Day two of the Madlanga Commission featured dramatic revelations from KZN Police Commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Here are the significant points from his testimony on day two:
Direct allegations against MPs
Mkhwanazi made headlines by implicating two Members of Parliament, DA MP Dianne Kohler Barnard and NCC leader Fadiel Adams, in an alleged abuse of their positions regarding Crime Intelligence operations. This marks a serious accusation against senior political figures and raises questions about their oversight roles.
Violations of legal protocols
He accused Barnard of inciting public attacks on Crime Intelligence while disregarding proper procedures, which dictate that concerns should be directed through the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence. This could jeopardise the integrity of intelligence operations and expose sensitive information.
Unauthorised access to classified information
Mkhwanazi claimed that Adams illegally accessed classified information from Crime Intelligence. Such actions are dangerous as they could lead to significant breaches of national security and undermine the trust in law enforcement institutions.
Ignored evidence from 2011
In an alarming twist, Mkhwanazi revealed that he had submitted an affidavit to the Zondo Commission in 2011 regarding similar issues of political manipulation and abuse within Crime Intelligence, but he was never called to testify. This oversight raises concerns about accountability within the political system.
Ongoing patterns of abuse
He expressed dismay that the same issues and patterns of misconduct he identified years ago persist in today’s political landscape, indicating a broader systemic problem within South African intelligence and governance.
The importance of proper oversight
Mkhwanazi cautioned that failing to maintain rigorous intelligence oversight opens the door for rogue actors to manipulate or disclose classified materials publicly. This not only threatens national security but also damages the credibility of law enforcement agencies.
IOL