One year after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s explosive briefing, the fallout continues to shake the South African Police Service.

Mkhwanazi stepped before the cameras on 6 July last year and made serious allegations about corruption, political interference and the influence of organised crime within law enforcement structures.

His claims raised fears that criminal syndicates had allegedly infiltrated parts of SAPS, manipulated investigations and compromised the pursuit of justice.

At the centre of the briefing was a claim that then Police Minister Senzo Mchunu issued a late-night instruction to immediately disband the Political Killings Task Team.

Mkhwanazi also alleged that more than 120 active case dockets were seized, bypassing National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.

Top police figures arrested

The fallout has since reached some of the highest levels of SAPS.

General Fannie Masemola was suspended as National Police Commissioner in April 2026 and arrested over the alleged irregular awarding of a R228 million health tender.

Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, the suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, was also arrested.

He is being investigated for alleged collusion with tenderpreneurs and obstructing political killing investigations.

The allegations have intensified concern about whether senior police structures were compromised by corruption and organised crime.

Dismissals and resignations

Major General Richard Shibiri, who headed the SAPS Organised Crime Unit, was officially dismissed.

Brigadier Rachel Matjeng was also dismissed after internal processes linked to her role on a controversial tender committee.

Major General Lesetja Senona, the KZN Hawks head, resigned.

The fallout also affected Major General Busisiwe Precious Temba, the Employee Health and Wellness head, and Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, the Gauteng Hawks head.

Major General Thokozani N. Mathonsi was also named among senior officials affected by the corruption fallout.

More officers suspended

Several other senior officers were also named as affected by the fallout.

They include Lieutenant-Generals Dr Molefe Fani, Lineo Nkhuoa and Nonkululeko Edith Mavundla.

Brigadiers Abraham Nkhwashu, Alpheus Thembinkosi Ngema, Patrick Nethengwe, Kirsty Jonker, Petunia Reabetsoe Lenono and Onica Ofentse Tlhoale were also named.

Colonels Nonjabulo Nomfundo Mngadi, Anton Paulsen and Natsenge Johannes Monyai were also listed among affected officers.

Captain Brian Neville Cartwright was named as another officer affected by the fallout.

Sergeant Fannie Nkosi was suspended and denied bail by the Pretoria High Court.

Matlala claims in focus

The allegations also placed alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala under the spotlight.

Matlala was accused of cultivating relationships with police officials and allegedly using SAPS members to serve criminal interests instead of the public.

The claims have left SAPS facing one of its deepest credibility crises in recent years.

The fallout continues to raise difficult questions about accountability, political interference and whether law enforcement can confront corruption within its own ranks.