President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on all law enforcement agencies to urgently implement the recommendations contained in the Madlanga Commission report, which was submitted to him in December.
The President has welcomed the commission’s first interim report, noting that it was delivered in line with the timelines he had set. He has accepted the report’s recommendations, including referrals for immediate criminal investigations, prosecutions and disciplinary action.
The interim findings have implicated several senior South African Police Service (SAPS) officers as well as Ekurhuleni Metro Police officials, who have been flagged for alleged corruption, fraud and other serious offences.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa has instructed Police Minister Firoz Cachalia and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola to establish a special task team to fast-track the investigations.
“The President has directed the Minister of Police and the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service to constitute a special investigations task team, led by a head who will report directly to General Masemola,” Magwenya said.
He added that the task team will be responsible for pursuing investigations against individuals identified by the commission. Magwenya stressed that the creation of a dedicated unit is critical to ensure urgency and accountability.
President Ramaphosa, he said, expects all law enforcement agencies and relevant criminal justice institutions to act swiftly in implementing the recommendations of the Madlanga Commission’s interim report.