President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed frustration with individuals allegedly citing medical conditions to evade giving testimony at the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System. Speaking in the North West province on 1 August 2026, the President suggested that some witnesses are intentionally hospitalising themselves to delay proceedings and escape scrutiny by the inquiry’s chair, retired judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga.
Rigour Of The Madlanga Commission
The commission was established by President Ramaphosa in July 2025 to investigate allegations of criminal syndicates operating within the nation’s law enforcement and justice sectors. During his remarks, the President emphasised the serious nature of the inquiry and the consequences for witnesses who are unable to account for their actions under oath.
Madlanga doesn’t play games. When you go there and don’t know your story, you will be locked up. They are frightened now. They are even scared to go there so they continuously end up being hospitalised.
The President’s comments follow a series of procedural delays caused by witnesses claiming ill-health, which has hindered the progress of the inquiry. These challenges have prompted the government to approve an extension for the commission’s work, which is now scheduled to conclude in mid-November 2026.
Impact On Investigations
The commission remains a pivotal effort in addressing systemic corruption, having been prompted by testimony regarding political interference in state institutions. However, the integrity of the process has been periodically threatened by witness safety concerns, most notably highlighted by the killing of former witness Marius van der Merwe on 5 December 2025.
While the inquiry continues its work, officials are under increasing pressure to ensure that key witnesses can testify safely and without evasion. The authorities are expected to provide further updates regarding the enforcement of summonses for witnesses who continue to rely on medical delays.