Justice Madlanga Inquiry Delay: Minister Kubayi Suspends ICT Deputy Director-General
Johannesburg – The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has placed Jabu Hlatshwayo, the Deputy Director-General (DDG) in charge of ICT, on suspension due to hold-ups in the acquisition of essential infrastructure.
Earlier on Tuesday, 26 August 2025, the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption within the Criminal Justice System released a statement expressing regret that its hearings, initially set for 1 September 2025, would be postponed owing to procurement delays.
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In reaction to chairperson Justice Madlanga’s decision to delay the inquiry into allegations against Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the minister explained that she had to act once it became evident that deadlines would not be met.
Following her awareness of the expected delays on Friday, 22 August 2025, the minister stated: “It became apparent that intervening in the procurement process without breaching compliance with the PFMA [Public Finance Management Act] and SCM [Supply Chain Management] policies would be practically impossible.”
She further mentioned: “I immediately informed the President and submitted a comprehensive report for his review, which included the notification of the immediate suspension of the DDG responsible for ICT, Mr. Jabu Hlatshwayo.”
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has conveyed that President Cyril Ramaphosa has granted Minister Kubayi the Constitutional authority to initiate disciplinary actions against the Department’s Director-General, Advocate Doc Mashabane.
“This decision was communicated to him this afternoon,” the department stated.
“Nevertheless, we want to emphasize that in spite of these setbacks, the Madlanga Commission has begun initial activities, including engaging with witnesses.
“We are devoted to ensuring the Commission can commence its work without further delays, while also enhancing the Department’s operational efficiency to avert similar issues in the future.”
In the meantime, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) expressed that the postponement of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry was not surprising, but rather a demonstration of how deeply flawed and absurd this commission truly is.
The MK Party noted that the commission was initially slated to start proceedings on 1 September 2025 before being postponed.
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“This delay reinforces what the MK Party has long asserted: that the judiciary itself is indeed implicated,” the statement from party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela read.
“The very institution tasked with delivering justice is now entangled in a quagmire of political theatrics and internal decay.”
The MK Party argued that the so-called judiciary, which should act decisively, is “now tasked with overseeing its own investigation, resulting in an unacceptable conflict of interest.”
They further commented: “In essence, the formation of this Commission represents a wasteful expenditure: a mere distraction aimed at shielding the powerful.
“It is not a means of achieving justice but rather a tool for political meddling.”
The MK Party reiterated its belief that this Commission serves as a mechanism for politicians and judiciary members to obstruct the legitimate efforts of law enforcement.
“The longer this charade continues, the more compromised the outcome will be,” the MK Party asserted.
“As time progresses, whistleblowers remain unprotected, evidence deteriorates, and perpetrators of corruption solidify their control.
“The Commission’s credibility is already in shambles, and as a result, public confidence in the justice system is waning irreparably.
“South Africans deserve more than this. We deserve genuine justice, not a theatrical performance.”
However, the department reiterated that despite the challenges, the Madlanga Commission has initiated preliminary work involving witness interaction.
“We are committed to ensuring that the Commission’s work begins promptly and to improving the Department’s operational efficiency to prevent similar issues in the future,” the department concluded.