President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the interim report of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into criminality, political interference, and corruption in South Africa’s criminal justice system, a probe that has revealed disturbing allegations against senior law enforcement officials.
The Commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was established in July 2025 following a dramatic press briefing on 6 July by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. During the briefing, Mkhwanazi made explosive allegations of corruption, political interference, and criminal syndicates operating within the police, which prompted the suspension of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, General Shadrack Sibiya, and Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi, acting head of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD). Brigadier Mkhwanazi is accused of fitting blue lights to vehicles belonging to alleged underworld kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Since then, the Commission has continued to hear testimony from these individuals and other witnesses as it investigates criminality within the justice system. The inquiry has also been overshadowed by violence, including the murder of witness “D”, Marius van der Merwe, who was shot and killed last month in front of his wife and two small children. Van der Merwe was remembered at a memorial service on Wednesday in Ekurhuleni, a stark reminder of the risks faced by those cooperating with the Commission.
While civil society organisations and members of the public have called for the interim report to be released, the Presidency has said only the final report will be made public. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the decision ensures the integrity of the ongoing investigation is maintained.
President Ramaphosa is expected to study the interim report while the Commission, currently in recess, prepares to hear further testimony from both new witnesses and individuals who have already appeared. Magwenya said Ramaphisa has welcomed the work completed to date and emphasised that any conduct identified as criminal should be referred to law enforcement for further investigation and potential prosecution.
The Madlanga Commission continues to attract nationwide attention. Its findings could have major implications for law enforcement accountability, the fight against corruption, and public confidence in the criminal justice system.
