Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has strongly rejected claims that he requested police dockets, saying the allegations made before the Madlanga Commission are misleading.
In a media statement released by the Gauteng Provincial Government on 24 April 2026, Lesufi clarified that a letter from Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General DT Mthombeni confirms it was the commissioner—not the premier—who requested the dockets.
The statement also noted that operational responsibilities, including suspect coordination and warrant processing, fall under senior police leadership, not the premier’s office.
Lesufi reaffirmed his respect for the independence of the South African Police Service and expressed support for the commission’s work, while questioning the accuracy of testimony by a suspended Sedibeng district commissioner. He added that crime-fighting efforts such as the Eyes and Ears initiative remain part of coordinated strategies between law enforcement and private partners.
“We support the work of the Madlanga Commission, and we will use the proper legal channels to correct any misleading or incorrect statements that are part of the official record. We also urge everyone to let the Commission finish its work, without giving in to any temptation to create sensationalism,” said Lesufi.
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