Madlanga Commission Delay: Justice System Inquiry Postponed, Public Waits for Answers

South Africans hoping for swift answers into alleged corruption and political meddling in the criminal justice system will have to wait a little longer. The highly anticipated Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry, chaired by former Constitutional Court judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga, will no longer start its hearings on 1 September 2025 as planned.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Commission explained that delays in the procurement of essential infrastructure by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development forced the postponement. “For the lack of the requirements that the department has failed to procure, the Commission would otherwise have been ready to commence hearings on 1 September,” said Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels.

Procurement Woes Halt Hearings

The Commission has placed the responsibility squarely on the Justice Department, which had assured that all necessary equipment and facilities would be in place. Michaels emphasised that this delay is not the Commission’s fault and that a new start date will only be announced once all logistical requirements are satisfied.

“The most regrettable part is that a substantial portion of the three-month period for the interim report has already passed without the Commission hearing a single witness,” Michaels added, noting the urgency for transparency.

Scope and Cost of the Inquiry

Tasked with investigating allegations of criminality, corruption, and political interference, the Commission’s purview includes major state institutions such as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), South African Police Service (SAPS), and the State Security Agency (SSA). Public hearings are slated to take place in Pretoria, and the Commission has full powers to summon individuals for testimony.

The inquiry is expected to cost taxpayers roughly R147.9 million, according to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.

The Allegations at the Heart of the Commission

The Madlanga Commission was established following explosive claims by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Among his allegations:

• Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, currently on special leave, interfered to disband the political killings task team to protect individuals connected to politically linked crime syndicates.

• Mchunu allegedly had ties to tenderpreneur Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, previously awarded a now-cancelled R360 million police contract.

Mkhwanazi’s claims are also being examined by a parliamentary ad hoc committee, operating separately from the judicial commission.

What Comes Next

While the Commission works to reschedule its hearings, South Africans are left in a state of anticipation. A preliminary report is expected three months after the hearings commence, with a final report to follow within six months of the Commission’s formation.

Michaels reassured the public: “We are doing everything within our power to ensure the first witness takes the stand as soon as possible after all procurement requirements are met.”

With allegations that touch some of the most sensitive areas of the criminal justice system, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on the Madlanga Commission. Delays may test patience, but the hope for accountability and transparency remains strong.

{Source: The Citizen}

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