Madlanga Commission to Begin Public Hearings on SAPS Corruption and Political Interference

Pretoria – The highly anticipated Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has officially announced that public hearings will begin on 17 September 2025, focusing on allegations of corruption, political interference, and criminal infiltration within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Justice Madlanga to Lead Critical Inquiry

The commission is chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseni Madlanga and was formally established in July after damning claims by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi alleged that senior SAPS officials were compromised by corruption and criminal networks, triggering one of the most significant probes into the police force in decades.

He will be the first witness to testify, with his evidence expected to set the tone for the hearings.

READ: Bail System Under Scrutiny: Commission Hears How Murder Accused Fisokuhle Ntuli Allegedly Committed Four more murder While on Appeal on Appeal

High-Ranking Officials Implicated

In his July testimony, Mkhwanazi’s claims directly implicated:

• Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection Shadrack Sibiya – currently suspended.
• Former Police Minister Senzo Mchunu – placed on leave pending investigations.

These revelations have shaken public trust in SAPS leadership and placed political pressure on the ruling party to act decisively.

Commission Powers and Witness Protection

The inquiry will operate under the Commission Act, granting it powers to:

• Subpoena witnesses
• Gather documentary and forensic evidence
• Provide witness protection amid concerns for the safety of key individuals

Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels reassured the public that sensitive evidence, including 121 criminal dockets, is being securely managed. He stressed that original files will remain protected, with digital safeguards ensuring integrity.

Key Question: 121 Criminal Dockets

One of the most contentious issues involves 121 criminal case dockets, which were previously held at SAPS headquarters in Pretoria.

Initially, National Commissioner Fannie Masemola indicated they would be returned to KwaZulu-Natal. However, in a joint statement with Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia, it was confirmed that the cases would instead be referred to the commission to support its investigation.

READ: KZN Police Commissioner Urges Donations to SAPS Education Trust, Not to Him

Tension with Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee

The commission’s work overlaps with Parliament’s ad hoc committee, which is probing similar corruption allegations.

Observers warn that scheduling conflicts may arise, particularly as Mkhwanazi and other witnesses are expected to appear before both inquiries.

Possible Extension of Mandate

Although the commission’s start was delayed by three weeks, it may seek an extension of its mandate from President Cyril Ramaphosa to ensure it fully addresses the scope of allegations.

Public Confidence on the Line

The September hearings are set to become one of the most closely watched processes in recent years, with the potential to reshape public trust in the criminal justice system.

If credible evidence emerges, the findings could influence Parliament, SAPS leadership, and broader government accountability measures.