Saturday, March 21, 2026

Inquiry must focus on impact of interference in SAPS: Van Rooyen

Major General Petronella van Rooyen, the third witness to testify at the Madlanga Commission, has once again brought to light the bravery and dedication of South Africa’s police force. As a high-ranking officer in the South African Police Service (SAPS), General van Rooyen has served her country with distinction and has been a shining example of courage and integrity.

The Madlanga Commission, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is tasked with investigating allegations of police brutality and misconduct during the recent unrest in parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. General van Rooyen’s testimony has shed light on the challenges and dangers faced by the police during this tumultuous time.

With over three decades of experience in the SAPS, General van Rooyen has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in dealing with various crises and maintaining law and order. Her testimony at the commission has been crucial in providing a better understanding of the events that took place and the actions taken by the police.

During her testimony, General van Rooyen spoke about the difficult decisions that had to be made in the face of violent protests and looting. She also highlighted the immense pressure and stress that the police officers were under, as they worked tirelessly to protect the lives and property of citizens.

General van Rooyen’s unwavering commitment to upholding the law and protecting the people of South Africa is truly commendable. Despite the challenging circumstances, she and her fellow officers remained steadfast in their duty to serve and protect.

Her testimony has also shed light on the sacrifices made by the police force, with many officers sustaining injuries while carrying out their duties. General van Rooyen’s own experience of being shot in the line of duty serves as a reminder of the dangers that police officers face every day.

As the third witness to testify at the commission, General van Rooyen has shown immense courage and resilience in speaking out about the events that unfolded during the recent unrest. Her testimony has not only provided valuable insights but has also given a voice to the brave men and women of the police force who risked their lives to maintain peace and order.

General van Rooyen’s dedication and professionalism have been recognized and praised by many, including the Minister of Police Bheki Cele. He commended her for her bravery and stated that her testimony would help the commission in its pursuit of justice.

The Madlanga Commission is an essential step towards addressing the issues of police brutality and misconduct. General van Rooyen’s testimony has been a crucial contribution to this process, and her commitment to transparency and accountability is commendable.

As a country, we must support and stand behind the brave men and women of the SAPS who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. General van Rooyen’s testimony serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our police force and the importance of recognizing and honoring their efforts.

In conclusion, Major General Petronella van Rooyen’s testimony at the Madlanga Commission has once again highlighted the bravery and dedication of our police force. Her unwavering commitment to upholding the law and protecting the people of South Africa is an inspiration to us all. We must continue to support and stand behind our police force as they work tirelessly to maintain peace and order in our country.

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