As it marks its one year anniversary, the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, commonly known as the Madlanga Commission, has pledged to continue doing its work without fear, favour or prejudice.
This as the commission – headed by former Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga – today marks one year since the first hearings after it was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2025.
Its establishment came after KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, made a series of serious allegations about an alleged criminal syndicate that has spread influence into law enforcement agencies, the NPA and intelligence services.
“The one-year mark is a significant milestone, particularly considering that real consequences have flowed from the work of the Commission whilst the inquiry is still underway.
“Numerous individuals who have appeared before the Commission have been arrested, are facing criminal charges, have appeared in court, have been suspended or have resigned from their jobs,” Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michael said ahead of Thursday’s anniversary.
Some 110 witnesses have given testimony since the first hearings including law enforcement officers, Investigating Directorate Against Corruption and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA officials, experts, Members of Parliament and private individuals.
“The Commission calls on all South Africans to take a moment to remember Marius van der Merwe, who was brutally assassinated in full view of his family on 5 December 2025 after testifying before the Commission as Witness D.
“We also remember the sacrifices made by countless brave individuals who have come forward to assist the Commission in its work, by offering information and testifying, sometimes at great risk to personal safety,” Michaels added.
Some of the highlights for the past year include:
• Documents: The hearings have produced 26 352 pages of oral testimony transcripts. There is other documentary evidentiary material, comprising 105 282 pages contained in 750 document bundles or files with necessary redactions.
• Hotline: The Commission’s hotline received 1894 telephone calls, of which 1472 (78%) concerned issues that did not relate to the Commission’s terms of reference. In addition, 4548 emails were received from members of the public, of which 3295 (72%) were out of scope.
• In-camera: Approximately 22 in-camera applications were considered, of which nineteen were granted. One of these was revoked, with the result that the witness concerned testified openly. Eight hearings were conducted fully in camera, one of which was subsequently made available to the public through the publication of a redacted transcript. Eleven hearings were conducted partially in camera.
• Litigation: The Commission has been party to three applications in the High Court. An application brought by Suliman Carrim was dismissed. Two separate applications brought by Major General Feroz Khan and Sergeant Fannie Nkosi were withdrawn.
• Recusal: One recusal application was brought against an Evidence Leader and was dismissed.
• Record: On 2 June 2026 (Day 111), the Commission heard evidence from the highest number of witnesses in a single day, namely five witnesses.
“The Commission would like to thank all those who have made its work possible over the last year, including its staff, security personnel, relevant State institutions, and the media.
“The Commission is truly appreciative of the support it is getting from the South African public. In the period ahead, the Commission will continue to diligently conduct its inquiry without fear, favour or prejudice,” Michaels said. – SAnews.gov.za
