South Africa is investigating police corruption following shocking claims about a drug cartel known as the Big Five. This cartel allegedly has deep ties in politics and controls some government departments. Police crime intelligence boss Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo called the cartel a major threat, involved in drugs, contract killings, hijackings, and kidnappings. The investigation began after Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of links to crime bosses. Mchunu denies the charges. Mkhwanazi said the cartel was behind disbanding a political murders task force. President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed retired judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga to lead a public inquiry. Businessman Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala, facing 25 criminal charges including attempted murder, is named among the cartel leaders. Matlala denies all accusations but admitted making ANC political donations. He also accused former Police Minister Bheki Cele of demanding a bribe. Cele admitted knowing Matlala but denied accepting money. A key witness, known as "Witness D" or Marius van der Merwe, was murdered soon after testifying about police misconduct. He had implicated police officials in crimes. The killing sparked national outrage and highlighted dangers to whistleblowers. Ramaphosa’s government has not released the interim report yet, waiting for the final findings expected next year. The inquiry is in three phases: hearing allegations, responses from accused, and clarifications. Parliament has its own panel investigating the issues. South Africans hope these probes reveal the truth and lead to reforms in a police force long suspected of corruption and political interference.