One year of Madlanga: 110 witnesses, 26,000 pages and arrests that rocked SA’s criminal justice system

One year after its establishment, the Madlanga Commission has amassed a substantial amount of evidence, triggering arrests, charges, suspensions, and resignations within South Africa's criminal justice system. On September 17, the inquiry marked a year since its inception, following 174 days of testimonies from 110 witnesses. Chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, the commission was created in response to allegations by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The commission's mandate is broad, investigating potential infiltration of criminal syndicates, such as drug cartels, into key institutions like the South African Police Service, the Hawks, the National Prosecuting Authority, and the Judiciary. The investigation has produced 26,352 pages of testimony and 105,282 pages of documentary evidence.

Witnesses included 36 SAPS officers, 25 Hawks officers, officials from various police departments, an NPA member, anti-corruption bodies, MPs, a Cabinet minister, private individuals, and experts in reform. However, the commission's impact extends beyond the courtroom - several individuals who testified have since been arrested, charged, brought before courts, suspended, or resigned. These outcomes, though, do not constitute a verdict by the commission.

The inquiry has also highlighted the risks faced by those providing evidence. The commission honored Marius van der Merwe, who testified as Witness D before his assassination on December 5, 2025. His death underscores the dangers for individuals who come forward with information.

Public interest in the commission's work has been significant, with 1,894 calls received via its hotline, though 78% were outside its mandate. Of the 4,548 emails received, 72% were deemed unsuitable. The commission has faced legal challenges, including three High Court applications; one was dismissed, two were withdrawn, and a recusal application was also dismissed.

As the inquiry has not yet concluded, its next phase will continue examining evidence and developing recommendations for potential reforms in criminal justice institutions, committed to proceeding without bias or favor.