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Pretoria – The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, commonly known as the Madlanga Commission, is set to begin.
This long-awaited start comes after a frustrating two-week delay from the original 1 September 2025 launch, blamed on administrative lapses in the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
As a result, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi announced disciplinary proceedings against Director-General Advocate Doc Mashabane and the suspension of ICT Deputy Director-General Jabu Hlatshwayo for failing to procure essential infrastructure like secure IT systems, streaming solutions, and venue adaptations.
Despite these setbacks, preliminary witness interactions have proceeded, ensuring the commission remains on track for its mandated interim report within three months and final findings in six.
Chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, a respected jurist known for his sharp intellect and commitment to constitutional values, the commission draws its impetus from explosive allegations made on 6 July 2025 by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
In a bombshell media briefing, Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi accused sophisticated criminal syndicates – including drug cartels – of infiltrating key pillars of the criminal justice system.
He pointed to undue influence over the South African Police Service (SAPS), particularly the Political Killings Task Team and Crime Intelligence; the National Prosecuting Authority; the State Security Agency; the judiciary and magistracy; and metropolitan police in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and Tshwane.
Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi alleged that senior officials have either aided these networks, ignored credible intelligence, or benefited politically and financially, allowing corruption to fester unchecked.
He also accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of meddling in the work of the police. Mchunu has since been placed on special leave.
The commission’s terms of reference, gazetted by President Cyril Ramaphosa on July 23, 2025, empower it to investigate these claims thoroughly, making findings on syndicate infiltration and recommending reforms.
Assisting Justice Madlanga are advocates Sesi Baloyi SC and Sandile Khumalo SC, with Advocate Terry Motau SC as chief evidence leader, supported by a team including Matthew Chaskalson SC, Mahlape Sello, Adila Hassim, and investigators like Dr. Peter Goss.
Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi is expected to be the first witness, potentially laying bare 121 dockets from KZN’s political killings investigations.
*The commission actually begins on Wednesday, 17 September 2025
