Commission must lead to consequences, sanctions and ultimately justice

A few weeks ago, South Africans heard the serious allegations about the existence and operation of a sophisticated criminal syndicate that has allegedly infiltrated law enforcement structures.

On Sunday, 13 July 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the formation of a commission of inquiry to focus on the shocking allegations that KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi recently made and how the alleged deep-rooted corruption will be dealt with.

While I agree that the allegations must be attended to with the necessary diligence and all parties must be given a fair chance to express themselves, citizens are tired of the many costly, time-consuming and unsuccessful commissions of inquiries.

The most famous commission of inquiry, the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption, and Fraud in the Public Sector, also known as the Zondo Commission, is yet to see the recommendations being fully implemented and justice served against those who benefited or gained from the abuse of power and state capture.

Instead of a “leave of absence”, Ramaphosa should have suspended Minister Senzo Mchunu as a deterrent measure, thoroughly investigated the allegations, and then, if proven on a balance of probability, dismissed the minister after a fair hearing.

Commissions, which can uncover the truth, only matter if their findings lead to action and are backed by consequences, sanctions and justice.

MOHAMED SAEED

Pietermaritzburg