Correctional Services head to testify as Madlanga Commission probes criminal justice integrity

Correctional Services Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale is scheduled to appear before the Madlanga Commission on Thursday as the inquiry intensifies its public hearings into corruption and institutional compromise in South Africa’s criminal justice system.

When and where

Proceedings are set to begin at 9:30am in Pretoria. Advocates Mpilo Sikhakhane and Teboho Mosikili will lead the evidence during Thobakgale’s testimony.

Broader focus of the commission

The commission is marking the anniversary of its public hearings and has been examining alleged criminal networks within law-enforcement structures as well as questions of corruption and institutional compromise. It has also heard international expert evidence on strengthening vetting and financial-integrity systems in institutions vulnerable to state capture.

Calls for a targeted financial-integrity assessment

Anti-corruption and asset-recovery specialist Laura Pop told the commission there should be a once-off, extraordinary and legally entrenched financial-integrity assessment of senior and high-risk officials across the criminal justice system.

Pop said that where systemic corruption has severely eroded public trust, conventional disciplinary and criminal investigations may be inadequate, a point she made to underscore the commission’s broader focus on restoring institutional integrity.

What to expect next

The commission will continue hearing evidence as it pursues recommendations aimed at strengthening accountability and vetting in the criminal justice sector.