Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has denied allegations that he ordered police to submit sensitive case dockets, including those carrying J50 arrest warrants, for his personal oversight. The claims were made by Sedibeng District Commissioner Brig. Mbangwa Nkwashu, who testified before the Madlanga Commission that such dockets were requested at the highest political level.
Among the dockets in question is the one linked to the fatal shooting of engineer Armand Swart, who was gunned down outside his Vereeniging office in April 2024. However, the Gauteng government has insisted that Lesufi never issued such instructions, with provincial spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga describing Nkwashu’s testimony as “baffling”.
Lesufi’s Response
According to Mhlanga, a letter from Provincial Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni clearly states that it was Mthombeni, not Lesufi, who requested the dockets. The letter also clarified that the handling of wanted suspects and J50 warrants falls within the operational domain of SAPS leadership, specifically under Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Khumalo, working alongside Crime Intelligence.
Lesufi has challenged Nkwashu to produce written proof of any directive allegedly issued, arguing that without it, the claims risk distorting official records and undermining public trust. “We support the work of the commission,” Lesufi said. “But we will correct any misleading statements through proper legal channels.”
Separation of Powers
Lesufi’s office has emphasized that the premier respects the separation of powers and does not interfere in police operations. Instead, his office only receives routine briefings on crime-fighting strategies. As noted on the South African Government website, the principle of separation of powers is enshrined in the country’s Constitution, which aims to prevent any one branch of government from dominating the others.
The Madlanga Commission is investigating allegations of corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS). The commission has already led to the suspension of five high-ranking SAPS officials. As the investigation continues, it is likely to have significant implications for the SAPS and the broader justice system in South Africa.
Some of the key issues being investigated by the commission include:
- Allegations of corruption and misconduct within the SAPS
- The handling of sensitive case dockets, including those carrying J50 arrest warrants
- The role of senior SAPS officials in the investigation and prosecution of crimes
The commission’s findings are expected to be closely watched by the public and will likely have significant implications for the SAPS and the broader justice system in South Africa.
