Ramaphosa Was Briefed Before Mkhwanazi’s Explosive Claims – NICOC Chief Tells Madlanga Commission

The Acting Coordinator of the National Intelligence Coordinating Committee (NICOC), Dr Ntandazo Sifolo, has told the Madlanga Commission that President Cyril Ramaphosa was briefed on developments surrounding Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi before his explosive media briefing on 6 July 2025.

Sifolo’s testimony has placed renewed focus on what South Africa’s intelligence structures knew about the allegations that would eventually trigger widespread political and public controversy.

Appearing before the commission, Sifolo indicated that NICOC was aware of the events leading up to Mkhwanazi’s highly publicised briefing, during which the KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner made serious allegations concerning the infiltration of criminal syndicates into law enforcement structures.

Mkhwanazi’s allegations sent shockwaves across the country, raising questions about alleged corruption, criminal networks and possible collusion involving senior police officials, politicians and individuals within the criminal justice system.

His statements sparked intense public debate and prompted renewed scrutiny of the country’s policing and intelligence institutions.

Sifolo’s evidence is particularly significant because it raises questions about the extent of information available to the country’s intelligence leadership before the allegations became public.

The commission is expected to examine the sequence of events, including when intelligence structures became aware of the developments, what information was communicated to relevant authorities and what steps were taken before Mkhwanazi addressed the media.

Of particular importance is Sifolo’s confirmation that Ramaphosa had also been briefed before 6 July 2025.

The revelation brings the President’s awareness of the unfolding situation into sharper focus, particularly given the seriousness of the allegations and their potential implications for national security and public confidence in law enforcement.

NICOC plays a central coordinating role within South Africa’s intelligence community. It brings together intelligence gathered by Crime Intelligence, the State Security Agency (SSA) and Defence Intelligence to provide assessments and advice to the President and Cabinet on matters affecting national security.

Sifolo’s testimony therefore places the spotlight on the effectiveness of intelligence coordination and the extent to which information about potential threats was escalated to the country’s highest political office.

As the Madlanga Commission continues its investigation, the evidence could prove crucial in establishing what senior government and intelligence officials knew before Mkhwanazi’s revelations became public.

The central question remains whether the information available to the intelligence structures was adequately acted upon before the allegations shook South Africa’s criminal justice system.

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