Letter to Mahlamba Ndlopfu – Illness before truth as a new plague erupts
Subpoenas to appear before the Madlanga Commission trigger a sudden outbreak of conveniently timed illness. Really, it’s enough to make anyone sick.
A new disease has emerged in South Africa, affecting those facing subpeonas and subpoenas. The Madlanga Medical Ward, the sole hospital in the country, treats this illness known as "Madlangatitis." Symptoms include dizziness when confronted with WhatsApp messages, breathlessness near affidavits, and a loss of speech when questioned about authorized actions.
Notable patients include former Chief Investigating Directorate (Idac) head Andrea Johnson, who invoked her right against self-incrimination during her testimony. North West businessman Suliman Carrim, who initially believed he had had a heart attack, is another patient who has been hospitalized multiple times. CEO Mike van Wyk of Medicare24 was hospitalized for severe panic attacks before testifying about a cartel figure, while police agent Oupa Brown Mogotsi submitted a medical certificate as well.
The commission, which has witnessed nine patients so far, claims to be investigating an outbreak of "acute pre-testimony syndrome." However, the truth behind the situation appears to be more sinister. While some may avoid testimony through paperwork, others are prevented from doing so by violence. Major General Feroz Khan was shot before his scheduled appearance, and the ward's patients seem to be the victims of both bureaucratic delays and gunfire.
Despite treating patients of various ranks, the Madlanga Medical Ward only sheds light on a larger cover-up. Minister Senzo Mchunu remains on special leave, while his replacement Firoz Cachalia continues to receive full salary and benefits. Former police minister Bheki Cele has also been omitted from the investigation. The arrests of Ekurhuleni and South African Police Service officials, while highlighting corruption and abuse, do not equate to defeating an entire army of wrongdoing.
Ultimately, the Madlanga fallout demonstrates that the truth arrives late, and accountability remains elusive for those at the top.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
