SAPS corruption inquiry: Justice Madlanga outlines preparations and timeline
President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga to chair the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into allegations of corruption in the criminal justice system. Madlanga said although Mkhwanazi’s claims prompted the inquiry, the process must follow due diligence before any public hearings can start.
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Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, chairperson of the newly established Judicial Commission of Inquiry into allegations of political interference and corruption within the SAPS, assured the public during a media briefing on Monday that preparations are underway.
The commission is in its set-up phase, with hearings expected to begin in August.
The commission was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa following allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi against police minister Senzo Mchunu.
Mkhwanazi's claims include that senior police officials, including Mchunu, were involved in criminal syndicates and had interfered in politically sensitive investigations, including disbanding elite units tasked with corruption probes.
Madlanga stated that although Mkhwanazi’s claims prompted the inquiry, the process must follow due diligence before any public hearings can start.
“The fact that General Mkhwanazi made the allegations doesn’t mean we are immediately ready for hearings,” Madlanga said.
“There must first be assessments and further consultations.”
Hearings are set to take place in Gauteng, with a procurement process for a venue under way.
Once secured, the public will be informed of the location as well as how to submit information online to assist the inquiry.
Madlanga said while the inquiry may start in August, there is no confirmed date yet due to ongoing preparatory work, including consultations and evidence assessments.
“We assure South Africans that we are treating the matter with the urgency it deserves,” said Madlanga, emphasising the seriousness of the allegations.
The commission has already begun work, with consultation with a first witness described as imminent.
Madlanga, a former candidate for Chief Justice and widely respected jurist, reiterated the importance of public trust and transparency.
“Given the gravity of these allegations, it is important that we brief the public about our progress.”
The commission’s spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, opened the briefing and stressed the importance of punctuality and structure.
The inquiry will run with Parliament’s investigations, and calls are mounting from police unions and civil society for urgent presidential intervention at SAPS to restore public confidence.
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