Justice Department Blamed for Delay to Madlanga Commission Hearings

The Justice Department is expected to issue a formal explanation this week after a significant delay was announced to the highly anticipated Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into political interference in the police.

Originally scheduled to begin public hearings on 1 September, the commission revealed that it will not be able to proceed as planned due to a failure by the department to secure critical infrastructure on time.

In a statement released on Monday, the commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, expressed disappointment over the setback, which it said was beyond its control.

“The commission regrets to inform the public that hearings scheduled to commence on 1 September 2025 will not go ahead as planned,” the statement read. “This delay is a direct result of the Department of Justice’s failure to procure and install essential infrastructure required for the proper functioning of the commission.”

While no new date has been confirmed, the commission said that it is engaging with the Justice Department to resolve the logistical challenges and resume preparations “as swiftly as possible.” The commission also emphasized its commitment to transparency and promised to keep the public informed.

The Madlanga Commission was established earlier this year following widespread calls for an independent investigation into longstanding allegations of political meddling in the operations and leadership of the South African Police Service (SAPS). Several whistleblowers, former senior police officials, and civil society groups have accused political figures of manipulating policing decisions for personal or partisan gain, undermining law enforcement and public trust.

Justice Madlanga was appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa to lead the inquiry, which is expected to have wide-ranging powers, including subpoena authority and the ability to compel testimony under oath. Analysts have called the commission a potentially watershed moment for democratic accountability in the country.

However, the delay has sparked criticism from opposition parties and civil society organizations, who say the Justice Department’s failure to prepare adequately risks undermining the public’s confidence in the process.

“The excuse offered by the Justice Department is unacceptable,” said Dianne Kohler Barnard, the Democratic Alliance’s spokesperson on police. “This is a matter of national interest, and the department’s inability to deliver basic infrastructure raises serious questions about its competence and commitment.”

The Justice Department, for its part, has remained tight-lipped but has confirmed that a detailed briefing will be held later this week. A spokesperson acknowledged the delay and said the department is “working closely with the commission to address all outstanding logistical requirements.”

Legal experts have noted that while such commissions often face administrative hurdles, delays can erode public momentum and make it harder for witnesses to come forward.