'Gifts' from a lover and 'botched' cocaine raids: Police inquiry grips South Africa
Summary
South Africa is investigating alleged police corruption involving organized crime groups and government officials. A commission led by retired judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga has uncovered claims of a drug cartel, stolen cocaine, and questionable police contracts, with a report given recently to President Cyril Ramaphosa.Key Facts
- The investigation is called the Madlanga Commission and started after allegations made by a senior police officer in July 2023.
- The inquiry has had two phases so far, with a third phase beginning next month.
- Brigadier Rachel Matjeng testified she was in a romantic relationship with businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, who won a police health services contract later canceled.
- Matjeng denied taking bribes but admitted Matlala gave her gifts, including the drug Ozempic for weight loss.
- Matlala is accused of leading a criminal cartel involved in drug trafficking, killings, hijackings, and kidnappings; he faces 25 criminal charges and denies all accusations.
- Two major drug seizures in 2021 involved large amounts of cocaine, but one shipment was stolen from police custody in what is suspected to be an inside job.
- Police officers made errors during the investigation of the stolen drugs, including not collecting DNA or fingerprint evidence.
- The commission’s full report has been submitted to President Ramaphosa but is not yet public.
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