One year of Madlanga: commission compiles huge evidence trail as arrests follow testimony

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry marked its one-year milestone on 17 September after 174 days of hearings and testimony from 110 witnesses, and the inquiry says its work has already been followed by arrests, charges, suspensions and resignations across the criminal justice system.

How the commission began and what it must examine

The commission is chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga and was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa after allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi during a media briefing on 6 July. Its mandate is to investigate whether criminal syndicates, including drug cartels, have infiltrated or exerted undue influence over institutions responsible for policing, prosecution, intelligence, corrections and justice.

Institutions named among those under scrutiny include the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Hawks, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the State Security Agency, metropolitan police departments in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane, the Department of Correctional Services and the Judiciary.

Scale of the evidentiary record

By 16 September the commission said testimony had generated 26,352 pages of transcripts. Documentary evidence totalled 105,282 pages organised across 750 files or bundles.

Who gave evidence

The commission reported testimony from a wide range of witnesses. The breakdown provided by the inquiry is:

• 36 SAPS officers
• 25 Hawks officers
• 4 Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department officers
• 8 Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department and City of Ekurhuleni staff
• 6 Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department officers
• 2 Gauteng Traffic Department officers
• 7 IDAC and NPA officials
• 5 IPID officials
• 2 Members of Parliament
• 1 Cabinet minister
• 11 private individuals
• 3 experts

Consequences and legal limits

The commission said that people who appeared before it have since been arrested, charged, brought before courts, suspended or resigned. The inquiry emphasised that such developments are not findings of guilt by the commission and that criminal allegations remain subject to due legal process.

Risks to witnesses and public engagement

The commission paid tribute to Marius van der Merwe, who testified as Witness D before he was assassinated on 5 December 2025 in front of his family. The commission said his death underscores the dangers faced by people who provide evidence.

Public interest in the inquiry was reflected in its contact channels. The commission’s hotline received 1,894 calls, of which 78% were deemed outside its mandate. It also received 4,548 emails, with 72% judged out of scope.

Legal challenges and the next phase

The inquiry has faced legal challenges, including three High Court applications: one was dismissed and two were withdrawn. A recusal application against an Evidence Leader was also dismissed.

The commission said its work is not finished. Its next phase will continue examining evidence and developing recommendations on possible reforms to criminal justice institutions, and it said it will continue its work without fear, favour or prejudice.