What I have gathered from the Madlanga commission of inquiry

The Madlanga commission of inquiry chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga has become one of the most explosive inquiries to date. The commission focuses on allegations of organised crimes network within the state, mainly the South African Police Services (SAPS), Metro police departments, political protection systems, intelligence agencies and procurement structures.

The inquiry heard allegations involving SAPS procurement corruption. A tender worth millions of rands had its fair share of allegations, including suspicions procurement procedures, questionable payments, politically connected intermediaries and manipulation of tender procedures. This led to the suspension of senior SAPS officials, criminal investigations, internal disciplinary proceedings and mounting pressure on political leaders.

There are further allegations of the special units investigating organised crimes and political killings in KwaZulu-Natal were stripped of operational powers after getting a little too close to powerful and political affiliated figures.

The inquiry has also heard allegations concerning the movement of narcotics through the Durban harbour. It is alleged by witnesses questioned by the commission that drug smuggling is done through the port and investigations are compromised due to leaks of intelligence information internally and the advance warnings to criminal groups of ongoing and future operations.

There are allegations involving the collapse of institutional accountability whereby dockets go missing, there is interference with investigations, investigators are being threatened and intimidated. Prosecution of politically connected individuals are delayed and there are external influences on investigations and operations.

There are allegations of the metro police procurement system- the system favours or rather benefits individuals who are politically connected.

Throughout the inquiry, witness safety has been an issue with allegations of intimidation, harassment, threats and surveillance. This led to some of the testimonies to be behind closed doors, for the protection of witnesses.

Many of those implicated in the allegations heard by the commission are standing on denying any wrongdoing.