A TOP police official who claims that South Africa’s police and justice system has been infiltrated by criminal syndicates took the stand today at a government-backed probe into the allegations.

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi told a news conference in July that some top politicians and police officials were interfering in sensitive police investigations in the interest of criminal syndicates and drug cartels.

His claims caused a public outcry and led to the commission of inquiry being appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

South Africa has one of the highest crime rates in the world and allegations of corruption within the police are not new. However, it is unusual for high-ranking police officials to accuse each other of involvement with criminals.

“I want to demonstrate that the criminal justice system has been subject to a continuous threat, as well as sabotage, which has been with us over an extended period," Mr Mkhwanazi said in his opening statement.

“To a point where we believe it is at real risk of total collapse if nothing is done.”