The Delay

The long-awaited hearings of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, widely known as the Madlanga Commission, have been delayed.

The Commission, chaired by former Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was scheduled to begin on 1 September 2025. However, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development failed to procure the necessary infrastructure in time, forcing the postponement.

In a statement, the Commission expressed regret that valuable time had already been lost: “A substantial portion of the three-month period, at the end of which an interim report is due, has gone by without a single witness being heard. This is not of the Commission’s making.”

The Commission said it would only announce a new start date once all requirements were in place, assuring South Africans that it was ready to proceed as soon as logistical obstacles were resolved.

Why the Commission Matters

The Madlanga Commission is more than just another inquiry. It is central to South Africa’s struggle to restore accountability and credibility within the justice system.

Why it matters for ordinary South Africans:

• Exposing criminal networks
  Allegations suggest organised crime has infiltrated institutions such as the SAPS, NPA, metro police and Correctional Services. This undermines community safety and weakens law enforcement.
• Uncovering political interference
  Claims of political meddling in prosecutions allow influential figures to escape justice, fuelling public mistrust in the system.
• Delivering justice for victims
  Communities often see cases of corruption, violent crime and gender-based violence collapse because of interference or flawed investigations. The Commission could highlight reforms to prevent this.
• Strengthening accountability
  While its findings are not legally binding, the Commission can shape future prosecutions, influence policy reform and expose wrongdoing in the justice system.
• Restoring trust in institutions
  Years of corruption scandals have eroded confidence in government institutions. A credible and transparent inquiry can rebuild public trust.

The stakes are high. If the Commission succeeds, it could lead to safer communities, stronger prosecutions and renewed accountability. If it fails, perceptions of impunity will deepen, leaving ordinary citizens more vulnerable and more sceptical of the justice system.

For many South Africans, the Commission is not about politics alone, but about whether the justice system can protect rights and deliver fairness for all.