Chairperson of the Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, Mbuyiseli Madlanga, has raised concern that allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi appear to be supported by evidence emerging before the commission.
Madlanga made the observation during brief remarks on Thursday to mark the first anniversary of the commission’s establishment.
“Unfortunately, what is emerging from the evidence is that there are indications of serious criminality within the criminal justice system and that this is the result of the infiltration of, and undue influence on, the criminal justice system by elements of criminality,” said Madlanga.
He said the fact that the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) have already taken action against individuals based on evidence presented before the commission was an indication that Mkhwanazi’s allegations could not simply be dismissed.
“The fact that a number of players within the criminal justice system have been charged criminally, with some dismissed from their employment and others facing disciplinary charges, lends credence to these indications,” he said.
“It is commendable that what appears to be criminality within the criminal justice system is coming out. This is commendable because, hopefully, that will help towards stemming the tide,” Madlanga added.
Madlanga recapped the specific allegations made by Mkhwanazi during his now-famous media briefing in Durban on July 6, 2025.
“Among others, General Mkhwanazi’s allegations painted a grim picture of the infiltration of, and exertion of undue influence on, the criminal justice system by certain elements of criminality. If true, the allegations meant that we have a pliable, compliant criminal justice system.
“Put bluntly, that would be a corrupt criminal justice system. I said at the time that pliability, corruption and dysfunctionality in the criminal justice system were at odds with what we, South Africans, expect of and are entitled to from a criminal justice system,” Madlanga said.
However, the commission chairperson cautioned that his observations should not be interpreted as confirmation that all evidence presented before the inquiry would ultimately be accepted as fact.
“I am well aware that the Commission is yet to assess all the evidence it will be having before it at the conclusion of evidence and make definitive determinations in its final report,” he said.
The commission is expected to make its final findings and recommendations after considering all the evidence placed before it.