Pretoria, South Africa — The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is set to delve deeper into allegations of South African Police Service (SAPS) ‘hit squads’operating in KwaZulu-Natal. These allegations involve the police in the province being accused of extrajudicial killings under the guise of a Task Team, targeting individuals linked to cash-in-transit robberies, taxi operators, and drug syndicates.
The commission, which was established to investigate corruption within SAPS, has recently shifted its focus to these claims.
On Wednesday, the deputy director of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) in KwaZulu-Natal, Len John, revealed that IPID has investigated over 300 cases involving members of the CIT task team between April 2023 and May this year.
The Madlanga Commission has recommended criminal investigations into suspended SAPS Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant — General Shadrack Sibiya and several others for serious allegations of misconduct. These include allegations of operating outside the law while ostensibly targeting criminal networks.
The commission’s spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, confirmed the focus on the alleged hit squads, indicating that they targeted suspects in cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies, taxi operators, and drug syndicates under the guise of a Task Team.
The allegations are serious and, if proven, could have significant implications for the SAPS and the broader South African society.
The Presidency has acknowledged the commission’s recommendations and is expected to take action on them, including considering disciplinary proceedings and criminal investigations against the implicated individuals.
The response from the Presidency is significant as it shows a commitment to addressing the issue of corruption and misconduct within the SAPS.
The Madlanga Commission’s new phase of investigation into SAPS ‘hit squads’in KwaZulu-Natal is a critical step towards addressing the issue of corruption and misconduct within the police force.
The findings of the commission are expected to have a significant impact on the SAPS and the broader South African society, potentially leading to reforms and a renewed commitment to the rule of law.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: enca
Source: Nokuthula Khanyile
