Thabo Mbeki, the former president, has praised the bravery with which Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the provincial police commissioner for KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), addressed the problems with the country's criminal justice system in public. Speaking on Saturday during an interview with SABC in Durban, Mbeki stated that the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is crucial for South Africa to fully understand and address deep-rooted issues surrounding crime, corruption, and political interference.

“I am very glad that the Commissioner had the courage to speak out," Mbeki said. "At last, we have the possibility, through the Madlanga Commission, to hear evidence from everyone involved and gain a clearer picture of the state of our criminal justice system, the criminals who carry out terrible acts, and how they operate.” Mbeki emphasized the crucial connection that exists between political actors, criminal syndicates, and the deteriorating criminal justice institutions like the police and prosecution services.

“What is being raised is a very important issue — the connection between criminals, politicians, and the weakening of general values in the criminal justice system,” he explained. Following General Mkhwanazi's explosive July briefing, the Madlanga Commission, which was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is tasked with investigating allegations of political interference in the Police Service. During that briefing, Mkhwanazi revealed that syndicates involving politicians, drug dealers, and other criminals undermine police work across South Africa. Last week, SAPS expert Major-General Patronella Van Rooyen testified before the commission, stating that Parliament had failed in its constitutional oversight role by ignoring previous allegations of political interference involving Lt-Gen. Mkhwanazi.

During the March 5 virtual committee meeting, Mkhwanazi told parliament about allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system. Mkhwanazi also told parliament about the December 31, 2024, letter from Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to dissolve the KZN SAPS political killings task team (PKTT). Van Rooyen emphasised that this inaction allowed interference to continue unchecked. Mbeki reiterated, "The nation requires this investigation." “The comprehensive response the country requires — whether it be corruption or other miscond "The evidence will be the basis for practical and concrete steps to address our challenges, and it is essential that police leaders speak publicly because our nation deserves to know the truth."