The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is currently in its 154th day of hearings as it continues to probe allegations of political interference and systemic corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice sector. Chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, the commission remains focused on evaluating evidence regarding the alleged infiltration of key state institutions by organised crime syndicates.
Institutional Reform And Oversight
Established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2025, the inquiry was prompted by public allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The commission is mandated to investigate claims that agencies such as the South African Police Service, the National Prosecuting Authority, and the State Security Agency have faced significant political influence.
The commission’s job is to test—through evidence and under oath—claims that elements of the justice system have been “captured” by organised crime and political influence, and to recommend concrete steps to fix it.
These proceedings carry weight for communities across the Cape Flats and the Western Cape, where the efficacy of the criminal justice system is directly linked to local safety and the fight against gang violence. By examining past operational failures, such as the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team, the commission aims to develop a roadmap for institutional reform.
Timeline And Extended Mandate
Public hearings for the inquiry commenced in Pretoria on 17 September 2025, following the foundational work required to secure testimony from high-level officials. Recognising the complexity of the evidence presented, President Ramaphosa extended the commission’s operational deadline to 16 November 2026.
The commission continues to process testimony from various experts and officials involved in the justice cluster. Further developments are expected as the inquiry moves closer to its final report and the delivery of its recommendations to the Presidency.