Madlanga Commission Finally Kicks Off Today After Delay
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Pretoria – The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption within the Criminal Justice System, widely referred to as the Madlanga Commission, is scheduled to commence today, Monday, 15 September 2025.
This eagerly anticipated initiation follows a frustrating two-week postponement from the initially planned launch on 1 September 2025, attributed to administrative errors by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
In light of these delays, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has announced disciplinary actions against Director-General Advocate Doc Mashabane and has temporarily suspended ICT Deputy Director-General Jabu Hlatshwayo for their failure to secure vital infrastructure such as secure IT systems, streaming solutions, and venue modifications.
Despite these challenges, initial witness engagements have moved forward, ensuring that the commission remains on track to deliver its required interim report within three months and its final conclusions within six months.
Chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, a distinguished jurist recognized for his sharp intellect and dedication to constitutional principles, the commission was prompted by explosive allegations made on 6 July 2025 by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
In a shocking media briefing, Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi accused advanced criminal syndicates, including drug cartels, of penetrating essential components of the criminal justice system.
He highlighted undue influence over the South African Police Service (SAPS), specifically targeting the Political Killings Task Team and Crime Intelligence; the National Prosecuting Authority; the State Security Agency; judicial and magistrate systems; and metropolitan police in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and Tshwane.
Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi alleged that senior officials have either facilitated these networks, ignored credible intelligence, or gained politically and financially, allowing corruption to thrive without oversight.
He also accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering with police operations, leading to Mchunu’s placement on special leave.
The terms of reference for the commission, promulgated by President Cyril Ramaphosa on July 23, 2025, authorize it to thoroughly investigate these allegations, draw conclusions on syndicate infiltration, and propose necessary reforms.
Supporting Justice Madlanga are advocates Sesi Baloyi SC and Sandile Khumalo SC, with Advocate Terry Motau SC serving as the chief evidence leader, aided by a team that includes Matthew Chaskalson SC, Mahlape Sello, Adila Hassim, and investigators such as Dr. Peter Goss.
Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi is anticipated to be the first witness, potentially revealing details from 121 dockets related to KZN’s political killings investigations.