The Madlanga Commission has exposed deep rot within the SAPS, with fallout reaching the highest ranks of law enforcement as senior officers have been arrested and charged with corruption.
Many initially dismissed the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry as yet another expensive talking shop that produced little more than political theatre. But a key provision in its terms of reference, allowing immediate referral of evidence for investigation and possible prosecution, has given real strength to the Commission.
The investigation has rapidly become one of the country's most closely watched proceedings, with arrests, prosecutions and senior law enforcement officials now appearing in court.
On Wednesday, May 13, National Police Commissioner Fanny Masemola and 12 senior SAPS officers will appear in the Pretoria Magistrates Court on corruption charges relating to the scandal-ridden R360-million Medicare24 contract awarded to alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
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The 13 accused, including Matlala and his business associate James Murray, are accused of corruption, fraud and breach of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). The state alleges Matlala bribed senior police officers, including generals, to secure the contract, which was awarded in June 2024 and later cancelled. The group first appeared in court in March 2025.
These and other arrests have distinguished the Madlanga Commission from previous investigations, where shocking revelations rarely resulted in arrests.
Masemola entered the frame after appearing in court…