The Madlanga Commission was brought to an unexpected halt on Wednesday after the sudden withdrawal of Crime Intelligence head, Dumisani Khumalo. Khumalo reportedly departed the hearing venue shortly after 9 o’clock in the morning, citing ill health.

The adjournment was confirmed by Commissioner Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga moments before proceedings were scheduled to begin. Addressing those gathered, he explained the reason behind the postponement.

“He is not well. We as the commission have decided not to sit today,”

he said, indicating that the commission had no choice but to pause its work for the day.

The announcement came as journalists and members of the public had been preparing for another day of testimony. Commissioner Madlanga emphasised that the delay was temporary and that further information would be communicated once a new schedule was finalised.

He pointed to the commission’s appointed spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, as the individual responsible for updating the media and the wider public on when proceedings will resume.

“Our spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, will announce the new date for proceedings in due course,”

Madlanga explained.

The interruption adds to the sense of anticipation surrounding the inquiry, with observers keenly awaiting its continuation once Khumalo has recovered sufficiently to either return or provide further clarity on his condition.