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EFF Slams Commission Delays and Calls for Justice Madlanga to Step Aside
South Africa’s latest commission of inquiry has hit a wall before it could even begin. What was meant to be the first hearing into alleged political interference in the criminal justice system on 1 September has now been postponed indefinitely. The delay has triggered a fierce reaction from the Economic Freedom Fighters, who want the chairperson, Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, to step down.
A commission stalled before it starts
Justice Madlanga confirmed this week that the inquiry could not proceed because the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development had failed to deliver the infrastructure needed for hearings. Despite earlier assurances that all resources would be secured, the promises were not honoured.
In his statement, Madlanga made it clear that the setback was not of the commission’s making. He expressed frustration that time was slipping away, noting that part of the three-month reporting period had already lapsed without a single witness being heard. A new start date will only be announced once the department finishes the procurement process.
EFF sees political shielding
The EFF has wasted no time in turning the delay into a political flashpoint. National spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said Justice Madlanga risked entangling himself in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s patronage network if he continued in the role. The party went further, accusing the president of using the commission as a smokescreen to shield his allies.
Their sharpest criticism was directed at Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who is at the centre of the allegations. The EFF argued that the indefinite delay proved their long-standing claim that there was never real intent to hold him accountable.
How we got here
The commission was only established in July 2025, after KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged that Minister Mchunu disbanded the Political Killings Task Team and reassigned 121 active investigation dockets to Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya. Those cases, according to the allegations, have since gone nowhere.
The inquiry was set up to investigate these claims of political interference, corruption, and criminality within the justice system. For many South Africans, it represented a chance to finally get answers on why political violence and high-profile cases so often stall.
Public patience wearing thin
Instead of answers, South Africans are now being asked to wait again. On social media, reactions to the delay have ranged from dismay to outright cynicism. Many have questioned whether yet another commission will go the way of previous ones, bogged down in logistics, legal wrangling, and endless postponements.
For now, Justice Madlanga insists the commission is committed to getting underway as soon as resources are in place. The EFF, however, is not convinced. With the clock already ticking on its reporting deadline, the credibility of the commission could depend as much on timing as on testimony.
Also read: House Break Ins And Theft Top South Africa’s Crime List, Stats SA Reveals
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: BusinessLIVE
