The Madlanga Commission has heard allegations of police interference within the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD). Constable Michael Potsane testified that former Superintendent Phineas Manyama demanded prior approval for drug operations and threatened officers who refused to follow his instructions. Manyama allegedly insisted that officers obtain his permission before conducting operations and pressured them to seek bribes from suspects. This testimony adds to warnings about the infiltration of law enforcement by organised criminal networks.
The allegations are part of a larger pattern of corruption within the JMPD. Dr Ntandazo Sifolo, acting coordinator of the National Intelligence Coordinating Committee (Nicoc), previously testified that criminal syndicates had become embedded in the state. KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has also made allegations of a criminal syndicate involving police officers, prison officials, judges, and politicians. The commission has heard similar allegations from Superintendent Elmarie de Beer, head of the JMPD's internal affairs unit.
The Madlanga Commission has heard specific details about a drug operation on 20 July 2025, which uncovered 22 bricks of suspected cocaine. The operation raised questions about international trafficking links and a possible connection to evidence involving organised-crime accused Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. The commission also heard that a search of a suspect's vehicle uncovered five cocaine bricks and a black pistol. The suspect led officers to an unfinished mansion where 17 more bricks were allegedly found.
The investigation has uncovered possible links to international cocaine trafficking. Brazilian national Ronaldo Dias Tavez Resende was present at the property where the cocaine was found. This is notable amid reports of cocaine trafficking between Brazil and South Africa. Authorities recently seized 216 cocaine bricks worth over R200-million at OR Tambo International Airport in luggage originating from São Paulo.
The commission has heard allegations that Manyama summoned officers to a meeting at a Shell garage near Eastgate Mall on 25 July 2025. He allegedly accused them of being disrespectful and operating as an independent unit. Manyama reportedly insisted that officers should not conduct drug operations without his permission and should negotiate with suspects for the release of suspects and drugs in exchange for money.
Potsane's testimony suggested an alleged attempt to turn a legitimate drug-busting operation into a money-making arrangement for corrupt officers. Manyama allegedly told officers to "take the money and release the suspects." This is not the only controversy surrounding the JMPD, with metro police chief Yolande Faro facing a reported smear campaign amid controversy surrounding a R2-billion security contract.
The Madlanga Commission's investigation into police interference and corruption continues. The allegations against Manyama and others have raised concerns about the integrity of the JMPD. The commission's findings have implications for efforts to restore trust in law enforcement and combat organised crime in South Africa.
Key points
- Former JMPD superintendent Phineas Manyama allegedly pressured officers to seek bribes from suspects.
- The Madlanga Commission has heard allegations of police interference and corruption within the JMPD.
- The investigation has uncovered possible links to international cocaine trafficking between Brazil and South Africa.
