A South African Police Service (SAPS) intelligence operative has alleged that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu attempted to pressure him into delivering favourable testimony before the Madlanga Commission.
The allegation emerged as the Madlanga Commission resumed its hearings on Monday, with testimony from two witnesses.
The commission was established last year to investigate serious claims made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi concerning the possible infiltration of organised crime into South Africa’s law enforcement agencies.
The operative, identified only as Witness E for security reasons, is currently under witness protection and delivered part of his testimony in camera.
According to Witness E, there were attempts to influence the substance and framing of his evidence before the commission. These allegations form part of broader concerns being examined by the inquiry regarding political interference and the integrity of policing institutions.
Criminologist Dr Simon Howell said the testimony raises significant questions about the relationship between political authority and police accountability.
“On the one hand, you have Witness E’s testimony linking police inaction and political interference to the assassination of the ANC Youth League secretary-general,” Howell said.
“This speaks to concerns about how failures within policing structures may have allowed violent crimes to occur, which runs counter to the state’s obligation to provide safety and security.”
Howell further noted that the alleged attempts to influence testimony were particularly troubling in the context of an oversight process.
“There is concern around how Witness E has described interference by Minister Mchunu, specifically regarding efforts to shape his testimony to fit a particular narrative,” Howell said.
“This is significant for the commission, as it suggests that despite formal oversight mechanisms, attempts may still be made to manipulate proceedings in ways that serve individual or political interests.”
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
Photo: @MadlangaInquiry/X
