Madlanga Commission Pauses Amid Illness and Growing Tensions Over Police Interference Claims

A Pause in a Crucial Inquiry, But the Questions Only Get Louder

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, South Africa’s latest attempt to confront alleged political meddling and corruption within the criminal justice system, has temporarily hit the brakes.

What was meant to be another week of explosive testimony was abruptly halted when Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, a key witness, fell ill just moments before resuming the stand at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College.

Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga swiftly adjourned proceedings, announcing a scheduled recess from 6 to 10 October 2025, partly due to the unavailability of Commissioner Sesi Baloyi, who’ll be attending to her duties at the Judicial Service Commission.

The official message is simple: We’ll continue on 13 October.
But unofficially? This inquiry has entered an even more sensitive phase.

Who Is Khumalo and Why His Testimony Matters

Khumalo, whose testimony began earlier in the week, is not a fringe figure. As a senior police officer, he stands at the centre of alleged infiltration and manipulation within the country’s law enforcement machinery.

National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola moved quickly to reassure the public that Khumalo is “in good spirits,” with spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirming he is receiving top-tier medical care.

But illness or not, Khumalo’s absence stalls a critical moment in the inquiry, one that threatens to expose decades-old allegations many South Africans have long suspected but never seen officially interrogated.

The Shadow of Nathi Mthethwa Looms Over the Commission

Even as Khumalo recovers, the spectre of the late Nathi Mthethwa hangs heavily over proceedings.

Just days ago, the former Police and Sports Minister and most recently South Africa’s Ambassador to France was found dead after reportedly falling from the 22nd floor of a Paris hotel. French authorities are investigating, with no cause ruled out.

His death comes just weeks after being directly implicated in testimony before the Commission.

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi told the inquiry that Mthethwa had attempted to pressure intelligence officials to drop charges against former Crime Intelligence boss Richard Mdluli, a case deeply controversial in policing circles for over a decade.

Mthethwa wasn’t the only one fingered. He’s reportedly one of at least three former police ministers named in connection with alleged interference.

Which raises a pressing question:

If some of the very people entrusted with leading the police were allegedly meddling in prosecutions who exactly was running South Africa’s justice system?

An Inquiry on Pause, But Not Forgotten

Even with the hearings temporarily paused, momentum is far from lost. On social media, reactions have been a mix of impatience and suspicion:

“Convenient timing for illness,” wrote one user on X.
“First Mthethwa dies, now Khumalo collapses. This inquiry is becoming a thriller,” another quipped.

Others have praised the commission for finally tackling what many believe is the heart of South Africa’s systemic dysfunction, the blurred line between politics and policing.

What Happens on 13 October Could Shape SA’s Credibility

When the Madlanga Commission resumes, the country won’t just be watching, it’ll be judging whether South Africa is truly capable of cleaning up its own security institutions.

Will Khumalo return with full testimony?
Will more names be exposed?
Will Parliament dare to hold former ministers accountable?

Right now, the inquiry is paused.

But the stakes have never been higher.

{Source: The Citizen}

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