Cartel of Silence

Key Takeaways

• Corruption and political interference have long been suspected in the South African police force, but recent allegations have confirmed these suspicions.
• An interim report from a commission investigating illegality within the police has been submitted to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
• The report alleges a drug trafficking cartel, known as the "Big Five," has infiltrated the police force and has connections to high-ranking government officials.
• Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has been suspended and denies any wrongdoing, but allegations suggest he has ties to a controversial businessman, Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala.
• A witness at the commission was murdered after giving evidence, highlighting the risks faced by whistleblowers in South Africa.

Introduction to the Crisis
The South African police force has long been plagued by allegations of corruption and political interference. However, recent events have brought these issues to the forefront, with two public inquiries shedding light on the extent of the problem. President Cyril Ramaphosa has established a commission to investigate illegality within the police, and an interim report has been submitted to him. The report alleges that a drug trafficking cartel, known as the "Big Five," has infiltrated the police force and has connections to high-ranking government officials.

The Big Five Cartel
The Big Five cartel is alleged to be a powerful and influential group that has penetrated the political sphere. The cartel is said to be involved in a range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, contract killings, and cross-border hijackings. The crime intelligence boss, Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, has testified that the cartel has tentacles within the country’s criminal justice system, allowing it to manipulate investigations and obstruct legal proceedings. The cartel is also alleged to have been behind the disbandment of an elite unit investigating political murders.

The Role of Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala
Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala is a controversial businessman who has been linked to the Big Five cartel. He has been accused of having close ties to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and has been implicated in a range of criminal activities. Matlala has denied any wrongdoing and has claimed that he has turned his life around since 2017. However, his testimony at the parliamentary inquiry has raised more questions than answers, and his relationships with high-ranking government officials have been called into question.

The Murder of a Witness
A witness at the Madlanga Commission, known as "Witness D," was murdered just three weeks after giving evidence. The witness had implicated officials, including a senior police officer, in a range of criminal activities. The murder has highlighted the risks faced by whistleblowers in South Africa and has sparked outrage across the country. The authorities have revealed that the witness had refused witness protection following his testimony, and an investigation into his murder is ongoing.

The Current State of the Inquiries
The Madlanga Commission is ongoing, with the second phase currently underway. This phase allows those implicated by evidence given to the inquiry to respond to the allegations made against them. The final phase will recall witnesses mentioned in the first phase to clarify or make additions to their statements. The parliamentary inquiry is also expected to resume hearings in 2026. South Africans will have to wait until next year to read the findings and recommendations from both inquiries, and the question on everyone’s mind is whether these will be enough to force the government to deal with the problems critics say exist in the police service.

Conclusion
The allegations of corruption and political interference in the South African police force are serious and far-reaching. The recent events have brought these issues to the forefront, and it is now up to the government to take action. The findings and recommendations from the two inquiries will be crucial in determining the next steps, and it is hoped that they will lead to meaningful reform and accountability. The murder of a witness has highlighted the risks faced by whistleblowers, and it is essential that the government takes steps to protect those who come forward with evidence of wrongdoing. Ultimately, the people of South Africa deserve a police force that is free from corruption and political interference, and it is up to the government to ensure that this becomes a reality.