Ramaphosa extends Madlanga Commission deadline to January 2027

President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the deadline for the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry to January 25, 2027, from its previous November 16, 2026 date. The commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, will now have until the beginning of 2027 to submit its final report.

The extension allows the commission to consider additional evidence, including testimonies from experts who made recommendations relevant to its terms of reference. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya expressed Ramaphosa's appreciation for the commission's work and the actions taken by law enforcement agencies in response to the evidence emerging during the inquiry.

The Madlanga Commission was established by Ramaphosa after Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, made serious allegations about interference and corruption within law enforcement structures in July 2025. The commission has already delivered two interim reports, with the first being presented to Ramaphosa on December 17, 2025, and the second on May 29, 2026.

During its hearings, the commission heard 32 witnesses over 64 days, focusing on the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, and the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department. Notable referrals resulted from the first report, including Major General Lesetja Senona, Major General Richard Shibiri, Brigadier Mbangwa Nkhwashu, Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, and Sergeant Fannie Nkosi.

The extension comes as the inquiry continues to address outstanding witnesses and issues raised during its hearings. The commission has also postponed Crime Intelligence deputy Major General Feroz Khan's testimony to September 28 due to his recent hospitalization.