Madlanga Commission Officially Launches Today After Delays
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Pretoria – The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption within the Criminal Justice System, commonly known as the Madlanga Commission, is set to begin today, Monday, 15 September 2025.
This highly awaited launch comes after a frustrating two-week delay from the original date of 1 September 2025, which was due to administrative mistakes by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
Following these setbacks, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has announced disciplinary measures against Director-General Advocate Doc Mashabane and has put ICT Deputy Director-General Jabu Hlatshwayo on temporary suspension for their inability to secure essential infrastructure, including secure IT systems, streaming services, and venue modifications.
Despite these obstacles, preliminary witness interactions have proceeded, positioning the commission to present its required interim report within three months and its final findings within six months.
Led by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, a respected jurist noted for his keen intellect and commitment to constitutional values, the commission was initiated in response to explosive claims made on 6 July 2025 by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
In a startling media briefing, Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi alleged that sophisticated criminal syndicates, including drug cartels, have infiltrated critical aspects of the criminal justice system.
He pointed to undue influence over the South African Police Service (SAPS), specifically concerning the Political Killings Task Team and Crime Intelligence; the National Prosecuting Authority; the State Security Agency; courts and magistrate systems; and metropolitan police in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and Tshwane.
Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi contended that high-ranking officials have either facilitated these networks, overlooked credible intelligence, or benefited politically and financially, enabling corruption to flourish without oversight.
He further accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering with police operations, resulting in Mchunu’s placement on special leave.
The commission’s terms of reference, issued by President Cyril Ramaphosa on July 23, 2025, empower it to thoroughly scrutinize these allegations, ascertain conclusions regarding syndicate infiltration, and suggest necessary reforms.
Advising Justice Madlanga are advocates Sesi Baloyi SC and Sandile Khumalo SC, with Advocate Terry Motau SC acting as the chief evidence leader, supported by a team that includes Matthew Chaskalson SC, Mahlape Sello, Adila Hassim, and investigators such as Dr. Peter Goss.
Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi is expected to be the first witness, potentially providing insights from 121 dockets related to KZN’s political killings investigations.