Mkhwanazi set to be the first witness at the Madlanga Commission
The parliamentary inquiry into allegations made by KZN SAPS commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi says once consultations have concluded with identified witnesses , they should be able to appear before the committee.
Image: Oupa Mokoena Independent Newspapers
The Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry, established to investigate alleged corruption in the criminal justice system, will begin its work on September 17 with KwaZulu-Natal SAPS Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, expected to be among the first witnesses to testify.
The commission's spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, announced this at a media briefing yesterday at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College, where the commission's proceedings will take place.
He said the commission's evidence leaders and investigators have been consulting with witnesses and following up on information within the commission's terms of reference.
They have also been in contact with Mkhwanazi, “whom the commission intends to call as its first witness”.
Head of communications and spokesperson of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Jeremy Michaels, briefs the media on the commission's progress and plans.
Image: Oupa Mokoena/Independent Newspaper
He said the commission is aware that the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee wants Mkhwanazi to testify soon, and they are communicating with the committee to ensure this happens cooperatively.
“There are other witnesses whose details, based on security considerations, we are not at liberty to divulge,” he said.
He said that preparing to call a witness involves intricate details, but he would not elaborate on the specifics of the process.
The commission, initially set to begin last week, delayed its proceedings to procure essential services, including laptops, cybersecurity measures, and email storage systems, which are crucial for its operations.
Michaels stated that the commission has procured ICT equipment, including a cybersecurity solution, secure internet connection, livestreaming service, transcription and stenography services, among others.
He said most of the commission's staff had been trained on the ICT systems, and tests had been conducted to ensure the hardware was functioning properly.
“While the delay in procuring these items was regrettable, we are now pleased to confirm that the necessary systems are up and running,” he said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa established a judicial commission of inquiry in July 2025, shortly after Mkhwanazi made public allegations of corruption and collusion within the criminal justice system.
Mkhwanazi's claims included allegations of corruption regarding the facilitation of organised crime, suppression or manipulation of investigations, and inducement into criminal actions by law enforcement leadership.
He alleged that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya were accused of interfering with investigations into political killings in KZN.
Mchunu and Sibiya, who have both been suspended, have denied the claims.
The commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, will investigate these allegations, identify whistleblowers, and recommend disciplinary actions or prosecutions.
The commission's establishment aims to address concerns about the infiltration of law enforcement and intelligence agencies by criminal syndicates.
It will also scrutinise the 121 dockets related to political murders involving councillors, political office bearers, and the killing of traditional leaders in KwaZulu-Natal.
The commission received copies of the 121 dockets related to political killings, while the original files will remain with the KwaZulu-Natal political killings task team.
This decision follows an agreement between acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola to submit the dockets to the commission.
Recently, a dispute arose between Cachalia and Masemola over the handling of the dockets.
Masemola had decided to return them to the political killings task team, a move Cachalia condemned, feeling it undermined his office as Minister, particularly since he was not informed beforehand.
Michaels said the commission does not intend to interfere with the work done by the SAPS regarding the dockets.
The commission has established a reporting hotline for the public to submit information. The hotline includes a telephone line where members of the public can confidentially speak with an operator and share information related to the commission's terms of reference.
The hotline details are madlangacommission@behonest.co.za and the hotline contact number is 0800 111 369.
Cape Times