Pretoria’s Brigitte Mabandla Justice College became the focal point on Wednesday as the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry officially got underway.
The commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is investigating claims of corruption and interference in South Africa’s criminal justice system, brought forward by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in July.
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Ahead of Mkhwanazi’s appearance, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party expressed strong opposition to the inquiry, arguing that its formation was politically motivated.
MK Party Launches Picket Against Alleged Judicial Bias
The MK Party is scheduled to hear a North Gauteng High Court ruling on Thursday regarding its bid to declare the commission unlawful. Meanwhile, party members staged a picket outside the commission on Wednesday.
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Abel Tau, the MK Party’s Gauteng spokesperson, told Eyewitness News: “We as uMkhonto weSizwe party will be picketing outside the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria today. We believe that Justice Madlanga is allowing himself to be drawn into the political arena.”
He continued, highlighting concerns over timing: “Our case pertaining to precisely this commission and the decisions that the president had taken was set down for Thursday and Friday… The fact that they hurriedly put together this start on a Wednesday, which has never been done before… I mean, mostly these types of sittings would start on a Monday.”
Tau also criticized the cost of the commission, saying: “The R149 million plus that the taxpayer is footing is very unfortunate in that President Cyril Ramaphosa is not doing what he is supposed to do as a sitting president and is violating his oath of office.”
Commission Investigates Corruption Allegations in Police Leadership
The Madlanga Commission’s mandate is to examine claims that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya were implicated in corruption. Both men have denied the allegations, though they were suspended from their positions. President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister in the interim.
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On Wednesday morning, the MK Party reinforced its stance on social media, stating:
“President Cyril Ramaphosa’s appointments and protection deal have exposed deep cracks in our democracy.
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“From [suspended police minister] Senzo Mchunu’s costly shield, to parachuting [Firoz] Cachalia and Judge Madlanga’s controversial role, South Africa deserves accountability, not capture.”
The commission will hear from Mkhwanazi on Wednesday and is expected to make recommendations for presidential action based on its findings.
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