Key Takeaways
- The Madlanga Judicial Commission has heard testimony from approximately 37 witnesses since its commencement.
- The commission will resume its hearings in 2026, with a dozen new witnesses expected to testify over the next few months.
- High-profile witnesses, including KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona, will appear before the commission during the second phase.
- The commission’s deadline is 17 March 2026, and it has already delivered its interim report to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
- The commission is investigating allegations of criminality, corruption, and political interference in the police and criminal justice system.
Introduction to the Commission
The Madlanga Judicial Commission, established to investigate allegations of criminality, corruption, and political interference in the police and criminal justice system, is set to resume its public hearings on Monday. Since the commission commenced, approximately 37 witnesses have testified at the hearings, providing valuable insights into the alleged wrongdoing within the police force. The commission’s spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, has confirmed that new witnesses will take the stand, starting with proceedings at 9:30 am on Monday. The commission’s hearings are expected to dominate headlines as it delves deeper into the allegations of corruption and political interference.
The Interim Report and Upcoming Hearings
The commission delivered its interim report to President Cyril Ramaphosa on 17 December, three months after the first hearing took place on 17 September. The report marks a significant milestone in the commission’s investigation, and it is expected to shed light on the findings of the commission thus far. As the commission resumes its hearings in 2026, a dozen new witnesses are expected to testify over the next few months. The commission’s spokesperson has confirmed that the hearings will continue with the theme of political interference, following the testimony of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu regarding the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). The commission’s deadline is 17 March 2026, and it is expected to conclude its investigation by then.
New Witnesses and High-Profile Testimonies
New witnesses are set to take the stand, including KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona, who is scheduled to appear before the commission on Tuesday. Senona’s testimony is highly anticipated, given his implication in the testimony of witness X, who detailed his alleged close relationship with tender tycoon Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala and his son, Thato Senona. Witness X’s testimony suggested that Matlala appeared to be facilitating or potentially buying a property for Thato, and the commission is expected to probe Senona on these allegations. The commission has also received approximately 28 walk-ins, and it is expected that more witnesses will come forward as the hearings continue.
The Commission’s Investigation and Deadline
The Madlanga Judicial Commission is investigating serious allegations of corruption and political interference within the police force. Those implicated will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations made against them, and the commission will carefully consider the evidence presented. The commission’s spokesperson has confirmed that dozens of witnesses are due to appear over the next few months, and the commission will announce its program as and when necessary due to security concerns. With a deadline of 17 March 2026, the commission is working diligently to conclude its investigation and provide a comprehensive report to President Ramaphosa.
Conclusion and Expectations
As the Madlanga Judicial Commission resumes its hearings, the public can expect to see high-profile witnesses take the stand and provide testimony on the alleged corruption and political interference within the police force. The commission’s investigation is a critical step towards addressing the allegations and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. With the commission’s deadline looming, it is expected that the hearings will be intense and revealing, providing valuable insights into the inner workings of the police force and the alleged wrongdoing that has plagued the institution. The commission’s findings and recommendations will be closely watched, and it is expected that the report will have significant implications for the police force and the broader criminal justice system.
