During a pivotal session of a high-profile South African corruption inquiry, proceedings took an unexpected turn when a suspended police chief inadvertently became the center of attention due to a tissue stuck to his forehead.
Julius Mkhwanazi, who previously served as the deputy chief of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, was providing testimony to the Madlanga Commission when the incident occurred.
Mkhwanazi, suspended in November 2025 over allegations of misconduct, was perspiring heavily and used a tissue to dab at his face following intense questioning from the commission.
Unbeknownst to him, a piece of the tissue ended up adhering to his brow, creating an unexpected spectacle.
The scene unfolded as Mkhwanazi testified at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry at the Brigette Mabandla Judicial College in Pretoria on April 14, 2026. This moment was captured by SABC News.
Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga soon noticed the tissue and paused the proceedings, allowing the room to appreciate the humorous interruption.
Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Mbuyiseli Madlanga attend the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry at Brigette Mabandla Judicial College in Pretoria on April 14, 2026. The commission was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that South Africa’s criminal justice system was compromised. (Frennie Shivambu/Gallo Images)
“Oh, you have a tissue stuck on your forehead,” Madlanga tells the ex-police chief.
“I’m sweaty,” Mkhwanazi says. “Thank you, thank you.”
Julius Mkhwanazi testifies at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry at Brigette Mabandla Judicial College in Pretoria, South Africa, on April 14, 2026. (Frennie Shivambu/Gallo Images)
The Madlanga Commission is a public inquiry probing allegations of corruption and political interference in South Africa’s justice system. The current inquiry has been hearing testimony from current and former law enforcement officials.
Former deputy police chief Julius Mkhwanazi testifies at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry at Brigette Mabandla Judicial College in Pretoria, South Africa, on April 14, 2026. The commission was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi about compromises in South Africa’s criminal justice system. (Frennie Shivambu/Gallo Images)
Mkhwanazi has been under scrutiny since an internal audit recommended his suspension as part of a broader probe into alleged misconduct.
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