Johannesburg – Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has suspended her department’s Deputy Director-General (DDG) responsible for ICT, Jabu Hlatshwayo, over delays in the procurement of vital infrastructure.
In a statement earlier on Tuesday, 26 August 2025, the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System said it “regrets to announce that its hearings will not commence on 1 September 2025 due to delays in the procurement of vital infrastructure”.
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Responding to chairperson Justice Madlanga’s move to delay the start of the commission of inquiry into allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the minister said she acted when it was clear the deadlines would be missed.
After learning of the anticipated delays on Friday, 22 August 2025, the minister said: “It was clear at the end of the day that it is practically impossible to intervene in the procurement process without compromising what is required by law as compliance with PFMA [Public Finance Management Act] and SCM [Supply Chain Management] policies”.
She added: “I then notified the President immediately and did a full report for his consideration, which included Communication of the Immediate Suspension of the DDG responsible for ICT in the department, Mr. Jabu Hlatshwayo”.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development said President Cyril Ramaphosa delegated to Minister Kubayi Constitutional powers to institute disciplinary proceedings against the Director-General of the Department, Advocate Doc Mashabane.
“This decision has been communicated to him this afternoon,” the department said.
“We must, however, state that despite these challenges, the Madlanga Commission has commenced with the preliminary work that includes interaction with the witnesses.
“We remain committed to ensuring that the Commission begins its work without further delay and to strengthening the operational efficiency of the Department to prevent similar setbacks in the future.”
Meanwhile, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) said it does not view the delay of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry “as surprising, but rather as further confirmation of just how flawed, farcical and ultimately ridiculous this commission truly is”.
The MK Party said it noted that the Commission had initially been scheduled to begin proceedings on 1 September 2025 before it was delayed.
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“This delay now further confirms what the MK Party has long indicated: that the judiciary itself is indeed implicated,” said the statement attributed to party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela.
“The very institution tasked with upholding justice is now enmeshed in a web of political theatrics and internal rot.”
The MK Party said the “so-called judiciary”, responsible for taking swift, decisive action, “is now expected to preside over its own investigation through one of its own, creating an intolerable conflict of interest”.
The MK Party further stated: “In truth, the establishment of this Commission is fruitless and wasteful expenditure: a mere distraction that serves only to protect the powerful.
“It is not a vehicle for justice, but a tool for political interference.”
The MK Party reiterated its claim that this Commission was nothing more than a mechanism for politicians and members of the judiciary to interfere with the legitimate work of the police.
“The longer this charade continues, the more compromised the outcome will be,” the MK Party said.
“As each day passes, whistleblowers remain unprotected, evidence grows colder, and the perpetrators of corruption consolidate their power.
“The credibility of this Commission is already in tatters, and with it, the public’s faith in the justice system is eroding beyond repair.
“South Africans deserve better than this. We deserve real justice, not a stage play.”
However, the department said, despite the challenges, the Madlanga Commission has begun preliminary work that includes interaction with witnesses.
“We remain committed to ensuring that the Commission begins its work without further delay and to strengthening the operational efficiency of the Department to prevent similar setbacks in the future,” the department said.
