Awkward Moment at South Africa’s Corruption Inquiry

Testimony at a significant corruption inquiry in South Africa took a comical turn on Tuesday when a police chief was seen with a tissue stuck to his forehead. This unexpected moment occurred while former Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi was giving evidence before the Madranga Commission.

To give a bit of background, Mkhwanazi had been suspended back in November 2025 over misconduct allegations. During his testimony, he wiped sweat from his brow after responding to committee questions, inadvertently leaving some tissue adhered to his head. It went unnoticed for a while until Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga paused the proceedings to point it out to Mkhwanazi.

“Oh, there’s a tissue on your forehead,” said Judge Madlanga.

In a slightly embarrassed response, Mkhwanazi acknowledged, “I’m sweating. Thank you, thank you.”

The Madranga Commission, which investigates corruption and political interference in South Africa’s justice system, is currently hearing testimonies from various current and former law enforcement professionals. The inquiry is particularly focused on claims made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi regarding violations in the criminal justice system.

Mkhwanazi, the former deputy chief, has faced heightened scrutiny since an internal audit called for his suspension amidst ongoing misconduct investigations.