Amidst grave allegations of a criminal syndicate corrupting the very heart of South Africa’s justice system and law enforcement, the Madlanga Commission held its first hearing in Tshwane on Wednesday.
The commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is tasked with what President Cyril Ramaphosa has called a mission of national urgency: to uncover the truth within allegations of a web of corruption, political interference and intimidation.
Officially known as the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, the commission is holding its hearings in the main auditorium of the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College.
The establishment of the commission follows serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi about an alleged criminal syndicate that has spread influence into law enforcement, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and intelligence services.
The KZN commissioner also made allegations against the Police Minister Senzo Mchunu – alleging that he colluded with criminal elements to disband the Political Killings Task Team based in that province.
“[Since establishment], the commission’s evidence leaders and investigators have been in consultation with witnesses and following up on information within the commission’s terms of reference.
“We can confirm that the consultation [with the first witness]… was with Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi, whom the commission intends to call as its first witness,” Michaels told a media briefing last week.
“The interest shown by the South African public in this investigation is not surprising. I say so because the allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on 6 July 2025 concern a grave subject matter: the subject of the alleged infiltration of, or exertion of undue influence on, the criminal justice system,” Madlanga said on Wednesday.
“If the allegations are proved to be true, that spells doom for South Africa’s criminal justice system. A healthy criminal justice system is key to the rule of law and, in turn, to a functioning constitutional democracy,” Madlanga said.
Safeguarding the nation
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the commission during a Sunday evening national address in July after Mkhwanazi’s own media briefing detailing his allegations.
At the time, the President noted that the provincial commissioner’s allegations “raise serious concerns around the Constitution, the rule of law and national security”.
“These allegations, if proven true, threaten to undermine the confidence of South Africans in the ability of the South African Police Service to protect them and to effectively fight crime and corruption.
“As we intensify the fight against crime, it is vital that we safeguard the integrity and credibility of the police and other law enforcement agencies.
“These allegations therefore call for an urgent and comprehensive investigation,” the President said.
He set out the parameters of the commission’s work which includes investigating:
The facilitation of organised crime
Suppression or manipulation of investigations
Inducement into criminal actions by law enforcement leadership
The commission of any other criminal offences and intimidation, victimisation or targeted removal of whistleblowers or officials resisting criminal influence
“The commission will investigate the role of current or former senior officials in certain institutions who may have aided or abetted the alleged criminal activity; failed to act on credible intelligence or internal warnings; or benefited financially or politically from a syndicate’s operations.
“These institutions are the South African Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority, State Security Agency, the Judiciary and Magistracy, and the metropolitan police departments of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane,” he said.
The commission will also probe whether any “members of the National Executive responsible for the criminal justice system, were complicit, aided and abetted, or participated in the acts mentioned above”.
Swift action
President Ramaphosa explained that the Madlanga Commission has the power to “refer matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution” with interim reports expected after three and six months.
“It is critical that these matters be attended to with the necessary urgency and thoroughness.
“The commission is expected to complete its work and submit a final report to the President. The final report of the commission will [also] be sent to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice,” he said.
Lisa Schickerling, Democratic Alliance Spokesperson on Police, on Wednesday said the Madlanga commission must pursue the truth without fear or favour. “South Africans cannot afford another inquiry that tiptoes around political heavyweights or shields the well-connected. Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s allegations of collusion between politicians, senior police officers, prosecutors, intelligence operatives and even elements of the judiciary have shaken public confidence. Only a fearless and thorough process can begin to restore trust.”
The Madlanga Commission runs parallel to the Parliamentary Ad-Hoc Committee established to investigate Mkhwanazi’s allegations.
The Democratic Alliance said the commission must lay bare the scale of political interference and criminal infiltration across law enforcement and justice structures. Every individual implicated must be held to account, with swift referrals for suspension, disciplinary action, or criminal prosecution. Whistleblowers and witnesses must be protected so they can speak without fear.
The final report must propose urgent, practical reforms to restore integrity to SAPS, the NPA and intelligence services and these proposals must be implemented by the executive without delay.
“This inquiry cannot become another expensive talk shop. It must mark a turning point in crushing the syndicates that thrive on political protection and in rebuilding faith in the rule of law,” Schickerling concluded.
Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development welcomes commission start
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Xola Nqola, has welcomed the commencement of proceedings of the Madlanga Commission, which was originally scheduled to begin public hearings on 1 September 2025. However, its start was delayed due to procurement challenges. Nqola noted that these obstacles have now been resolved:
“The committee welcomes the speedy resolution of the procurement matters that caused the delays. This demonstrates that government takes the process seriously and has acted decisively to remove obstacles to ensure a smooth and timely start,” he said.
The committee had previously expressed concern that the delay was linked to administrative and procurement failures within the Department of Justice. During a media briefing, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi acknowledged that certain issues could have been avoided. She announced that the Director-General of the department, Advocate Doc Mashabane, and Deputy Director-General for Information and Communication Technology, Jabu Hlatshwayo, were placed on immediate suspension pending investigation and disciplinary processes.
Nqola stressed the importance of the commission, saying: “We are grateful that the process has now begun. This commission is critical to restoring credibility in our country’s criminal justice system. We wish Justice Madlanga and his team well and every success in achieving their objectives.”
