Madlanga Commission Resumes: TMPD Chief Yolande Faro Testifies on Alleged Corruption
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry resumed its hearings on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, with Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) Chief Commissioner Yolande Faro taking the stand. Faro expressed “shock and dismay” regarding allegations of siphoning funds within her department, marking a high-stakes return for the commission following its Easter recess.
- Current Testimony: TMPD Chief Yolande Faro is testifying about alleged corruption and the siphoning of funds within the TMPD.
- Commission Scope: The inquiry focuses on corruption and tender manipulation at the City of Tshwane and the metro police, based on allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal top cop Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on July 6, 2025.
- Major Allegations: Previous testimony highlighted a R2.9 billion security tender where Gubis 85 Solutions was allegedly favored, receiving R59 million.
- Upcoming Witness: Suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi is expected to testify on April 14.
Scope and Governance of the Madlanga Commission
Chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, the commission is currently operating out of the Brigette Mabandla Justice College in Tshwane. According to commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels, the scope of the inquiry is strictly limited to allegations brought forward by KwaZulu-Natal top cop Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi during a media briefing on July 6, 2025.
The proceedings have been extensive, with 49 witnesses testifying over 84 days to date. To ensure all necessary witnesses can testify under oath, President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the term of the commission.
Allegations of Tender Manipulation and Systemic Corruption
The commission’s focus on the City of Tshwane and the TMPD has already uncovered evidence of systemic irregularities. Before the Easter break, Deputy Commissioner Revo Spies testified regarding the infiltration of municipal governance by criminal syndicates. Spies specifically detailed a highly irregular process concerning a R2.9 billion security tender for guarding municipal properties.
Evidence presented suggests that a security company, Gubis 85 Solutions, was unfairly favored over 21 other service providers. Gubis 85 Solutions reportedly received R59 million and was allocated 37 infrastructure sites, surpassing all other providers in both payment and site allocation.
Further testimony from Sergeant Fannie Nkosi alleged that the city’s chief financial officer, Gareth Mnisi, illegally distributed tenders in violation of regulations. Nkosi’s testimony described a network where police officers served as conduits between corrupt officials and cartel affiliates. During his testimony, Nkosi also mentioned Tshwane MMC Kholofelo Morodi and EFF leader Julius Malema.
The Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Connection
The inquiry has also scrutinized the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD). Deputy Commissioner Revo Spies previously provided testimony on corruption and mismanagement within the EMPD, focusing on a “blue light scandal” involving Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Spies’ testimony further alleged that the suspended EMPD acting chief, Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi, was “uncontrollable” while under the protection of former city manager Imogen Mashazi. Mkhwanazi is scheduled to return to the spotlight for his own testimony on April 14.
Looking Forward
As Commissioner Yolande Faro continues her testimony, the commission remains focused on unraveling the depth of tender manipulation and the influence of criminal syndicates within municipal law enforcement. With the term extended by the presidency, the Madlanga Commission is set to hear from a remaining list of witnesses to complete its investigation into the alleged corruption.