South Africa’s criminal justice system has been under sustained public and political scrutiny since mid-2025. The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry — formally the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System — stands as one of the most significant accountability mechanisms established in the post-Zondo era.
This page is the definitive hub for everything related to the commission. It starts from the very beginning, tracks every major phase, summarises the most important testimony, and links to our twice-weekly cluster articles that dive deeper into specific developments.
1. How the Madlanga Commission Began
On 6 July 2025, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi held a high-stakes media briefing at the SAPS Provincial Headquarters in Durban. Speaking in uniform and surrounded by senior officers, Mkhwanazi made a series of explosive allegations:
- A sophisticated criminal syndicate (later described in evidence as involving the so-called “Big Five” cartel) had infiltrated SAPS, Crime Intelligence, the National Prosecuting Authority, parts of the judiciary, and political structures.
- The syndicate was involved in drug trafficking, hijackings, tender fraud, and contract killings.
- Then-Police Minister Senzo Mchunu had improperly interfered in investigations, most notably by ordering the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) — a specialised unit created in 2018 to investigate politically motivated murders, primarily in KwaZulu-Natal.
- This interference, he claimed, protected powerful figures and amounted to an attempt to capture the criminal justice system from within.
2. Mandate, Composition and Legal Framework
The commission’s terms of reference require it to:
- Investigate the veracity, scope and extent of the alleged infiltration of law enforcement, intelligence and associated institutions by criminal syndicates.
- Examine political interference in the criminal justice system.
- Assess existing oversight mechanisms and relevant legislation.
- Make findings and recommendations for criminal prosecutions, disciplinary action, and institutional reform.
- Chairperson: Retired Constitutional Court Justice (and then Acting Deputy Chief Justice) Mbuyiseli Madlanga
- Commissioners: Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC
- Evidence leaders include senior advocates such as Matthew Chaskalson, Mahlape Sello, Adila Hassim and others.
3. Detailed Timeline of Key Events
- 6 July 2025 – Mkhwanazi’s Durban media briefing.
- 21–23 July 2025 – Proclamation establishing the commission.
- 17 September 2025 – Public hearings begin in Pretoria (Brigitte Mabandla Justice College). Mkhwanazi is the first witness.
- September–December 2025 – Opening phase: testimony from National Commissioner Fannie Masemola, Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo, and early evidence on the PKTT and alleged cartel structures. First interim report submitted.
- January–May 2026 – Second phase: responses from implicated parties, deeper examination of metro police departments (EMPD, TMPD), specific operations (including the 2021 Aeroton cocaine bust), and additional witnesses. Second interim report submitted on 29 May 2026.
- June–July 2026 – Intensive focus on the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC). By 31 July 2026 the commission had completed 152 sitting days.
- July 2026 – President Ramaphosa extends the commission’s term until 16 November 2026.
4. Latest Developments (as of early August 2026)
The most recent and highly charged phase centres on IDAC. Former IDAC head Advocate Andrea Johnson gave extensive testimony over several days in late July 2026. Key issues that emerged include:
- Allegations that IDAC may have expanded its investigation beyond the original Section 27 complaint lodged by National Coloured Congress MP Fadiel Adams.
- Claims of possible mandate overreach, internal conflicts, and the handling of the case against Crime Intelligence leadership.
- A recorded call and testimony from one of Johnson’s own prosecutors that raised serious questions about processes inside the directorate.
Hearings continue, with further IDAC officials expected and other witnesses still to appear. The commission is carefully balancing the need for public transparency with the safety of witnesses who face genuine threats from organised crime networks.
5. Key People and Institutions Under Scrutiny
- Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi (KZN Police Commissioner)
- Former Police Minister Senzo Mchunu
- National Commissioner Fannie Masemola
- Crime Intelligence leadership (including Dumisani Khumalo and Feroz Khan)
- Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) and former head Andrea Johnson
- Political Killings Task Team
- Alleged members and associates of the “Big Five” cartel
- Various metro police departments and NPA officials
6. Why the Madlanga Commission Matters
Unlike the Zondo Commission, which largely examined historical state capture, the Madlanga Commission is investigating active and ongoing alleged infiltration of the justice system. Its findings can lead to immediate suspensions, criminal referrals, legislative changes, and structural reform of policing and intelligence. In a country still grappling with high levels of organised crime and eroded public trust, the commission is widely viewed as a critical real-time accountability test.
7. Living Index of Cluster Articles
We publish detailed articles every Tuesday and Friday. All of them link back to this pillar page.
- Madlanga Commission Second Interim Report: Ramaphosa Notes Key Referrals Against Senior Police and Brown Mogotsi
- Madlanga Commission: IPID Exposes Alleged KZN Police Task Team “Hit Squads” – 149 Deaths in 77 Cases
- Cat Matlala Testimony at the Madlanga Commission: Relationship with Major-General Senona Under Scrutiny
8. Frequently Asked Questions
- When will the Madlanga Commission finish?
The current deadline for the final report is 16 November 2026, following the most recent extension. - Are the hearings open to the public?
Most are public and broadcast live, but some sessions are held in camera to protect witness safety and sensitive intelligence. - Can the commission prosecute people?
No. It makes findings and recommendations. Criminal prosecutions are handled by the NPA. - Where can I follow the daily proceedings?
Official website: criminaljusticecommission.org.za
Live coverage on SABC News, eNCA, and independent archives.
Engage with the Madlanga Commission Outcomes
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry continues to expose deep-rooted challenges within South Africa’s criminal justice system, from alleged political interference to the infiltration of organised crime. As new testimony emerges and the final report approaches, staying informed has never been more important.
For those who want to go beyond following the news and actively engage with the potential outcomes, visit polymarketsa.co.za where you can trade real-time markets related to the commission’s findings, key resignations, and political consequences.
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