Today, 17 September 2026, the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry marks one year since its first public hearing. Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga opened the sitting with a reflection on the record so far — and a caution that the commission has not yet made final findings.
“Unfortunately what is emerging from the evidence is that there are indications of serious criminality within the criminal justice system and this is the result of the infiltration of, and undue influence on, the criminal justice system by elements of criminality,” he said.
He added: “With the revelations that are coming out, we trust that justice will be served.”
For the full timeline from July 2025 to now, see our main pillar page:
The Numbers After One Year
By 16 September 2026 the commission had sat for 174 days and heard 110 witnesses. The official tally includes:
- 36 SAPS officers
- 25 Hawks officers
- 4 JMPD officers
- 8 EMPD and City of Ekurhuleni officials
- 6 TMPD / City of Tshwane officials
- 2 Gauteng Traffic Department officers
- 7 IDAC and NPA officials
- 5 IPID officials
- 2 Members of Parliament
- 1 Cabinet minister
- 11 private individuals
- 3 experts
The commission also asked the public to remember whistleblower Marius van der Merwe (Witness D), who was killed on 5 December 2025 after testifying.
After the Recess: JMPD and Reform Evidence
Hearings resumed on 15 September (Day 173) with a new stream on the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department.
Superintendent Elmarie de Beer, head of JMPD internal affairs investigations, told the commission that serious misconduct cases can “die” inside the metro police without ever reaching SAPS or the Hawks. Commissioner Sesi Baloyi SC said it was “not comforting” that criminal allegations could vanish internally.
Sergeant Rico van Wyk gave evidence on a 2021 Johannesburg child-kidnapping case and related video footage.On 16 September (Day 174) the commission heard World Bank specialist Laura Pop on how other countries vet judges and officials — evidence aimed at the reform chapter of the final report.
Today’s SittingOn the anniversary sitting the commission is hearing Correctional Services National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale. Corrections is one of the institutions listed in the terms of reference.
Public evidence is still scheduled to close on 2 October 2026. The final report remains due on 16 November 2026.
What Has Not Changed
Two interim reports have already gone to President Cyril Ramaphosa. Referrals from those reports — including names such as Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya and Brown Mogotsi — sit with the relevant authorities.
Part-heard witnesses from before the recess (including Cat Matlala, Lt-Col Deena Govender and Joe Sibanyoni) have not yet finished their evidence.
All allegations remain untested. Everyone named is presumed innocent unless and until findings are made by the commission or a court.
Want to engage with the possible outcomes of the remaining hearings and the 16 November report?
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