The long-awaited judicial commission of inquiry, chaired by former Constitutional Court judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga, will officially begin hearings into allegations of corruption, criminality, and political interference within South Africa’s criminal justice system on 1 September.
The public hearings will be held at the Bridgette Mabandla Justice College in central Pretoria after the commission considered several venues across Gauteng. According to the commission, the venue is being made available free of charge, with logistical arrangements overseen by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
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“The venue is available to the commission free of charge,” the statement confirmed. It added that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is making alterations to ensure the venue is fit for purpose.
Scope of the Madlanga Commission: NPA, SAPS, and SSA Under Scrutiny
The inquiry’s mandate covers some of the country’s most critical state institutions, including the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the State Security Agency (SSA).
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The commission is empowered to summon individuals to testify and will produce a preliminary report within three months, followed by a final report in six months.
However, the timeframe may be extended if necessary. President Cyril Ramaphosa previously emphasised that the Madlanga Commission inquiry should be concluded within a year.
At present, the commission’s offices are not yet ready to receive public submissions. “It is important for the public to note that the commission’s offices are not yet available for submissions and further announcements will be made in this regard,” the commission stated.
Explosive Allegations Spark Parallel Investigations
The establishment of the commission follows explosive claims made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
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He alleged that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, currently on special leave, intervened to disband the political killings task team to protect individuals linked to politically connected crime syndicates.
Mkhwanazi also claimed that Mchunu had ties to tenderpreneur Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who once held a controversial R360 million police contract that has since been cancelled.
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In addition to the judicial inquiry, Parliament has set up a separate ad hoc committee to investigate Mkhwanazi’s allegations.
This parliamentary probe, guided by draft terms of reference adopted this week, is due to complete its work by 31 October. Hearings are expected to start in Johannesburg before moving to Cape Town following Parliament’s recess.
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