The Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry, tasked with probing allegations of corruption in South Africa’s criminal justice system, is set to commence its first hearings on September 17. Among the initial witnesses expected to testify is Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal SAPS Commissioner. This anticipation was formally announced by the commission’s spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, during a media briefing held at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College, the venue for the hearings.
Michaels revealed that the commission’s evidence leaders and investigators have been diligently consulting with various witnesses and thoroughly following up on pertinent information that falls within the commission’s scope. He stressed the importance of collaboration, stating that the commission is actively working with Mkhwanazi, “whom the commission intends to call as its first witness.”
He acknowledged the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee’s urgency for Mkhwanazi’s testimony and assured that communication between the commission and the committee is taking place to facilitate this requirement.
While he highlighted that numerous other witnesses will be called, Michaels refrained from divulging their details, citing security concerns. He emphasised the meticulous nature of preparing for witness testimony, although he did not disclose specific procedural intricacies involved.
The commission, which was originally scheduled to commence proceedings last week, faced delays due to essential procurement requirements. These included the acquisition of laptops, cybersecurity tools, and email storage systems vital for its operations. However, Michaels noted that the commission is now equipped with the necessary technology including ICT provisions, a secure internet connection, livestreaming services, and transcription capabilities. “While the delay in procuring these items was regrettable, we are now pleased to confirm that the necessary systems are up and running,” he assured.
The establishment of this judicial inquiry followed a series of public allegations made by Mkhwanazi in July 2025, regarding corruption and collusion within law enforcement. The allegations encompass serious claims linked to the hinderance of investigations into political killings and the manipulation of criminal activities by active members of the police force. Notably, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, both currently suspended, categorically denied any wrongdoing.
The commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, aims to investigate these serious allegations, pinpoint potential whistleblowers, and recommend necessary disciplinary actions or prosecutions. There is significant public interest in how the commission will address fears about the infiltration of law enforcement by organised criminal syndicates.
As part of its investigative efforts, the commission will scrutinise 121 dockets tied to political murders involving municipal officials and traditional leaders in KwaZulu-Natal. The commission recently received copies of these dockets, while the original files remain with the province’s political killings task team. This was facilitated by an agreement between acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, despite recent disputes over the dockets’ management.
Furthermore, the commission is adamant that its operations will not interfere with ongoing work by the SAPS. To encourage public engagement, a reporting hotline has been established where individuals can confidentially report information relevant to the commission’s inquiries. For those interested, the hotline can be reached via email at madlangacommission@behonest.co.za or by phone at 0800 111 369.