The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System
The Madlanga Commission
A judicial inquiry into whether organised crime and political interference captured South Africa's criminal justice system — mapped and sourced, with every claim linked to the document it came from.
What it is
Formally the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, it is a public inquiry chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. It sits in Pretoria and began hearing evidence on 17 September 2025.
The question at its core
Whether politicians, senior police officers, prosecutors, intelligence operatives and elements of the judiciary colluded with one another — and with organised crime — to corrupt the very institutions meant to fight crime.
Why it matters
The allegations concern the capture of the state's coercive powers. If proven, they would mean the institutions citizens rely on to be protected from crime were being used to protect the criminals instead.
How it came about
It began with a police general going public
On 6 July 2025, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi — the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner — held a press briefing at the SAPS provincial headquarters in Durban. He accused the then Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, of interfering in police investigations, specifically the disbandment of the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team.
Mkhwanazi lodged a criminal complaint against the Minister. The allegations were serious enough that President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed a judicial commission of inquiry, and Justice Madlanga — a judge known for independence — was named to lead it.
Mandate & terms of reference
The terms of reference were gazetted in July 2025. They direct the commission to investigate and establish the facts surrounding four things:
- 1
Criminality in the criminal justice system
Alleged criminal conduct by politicians, police, prosecutors, intelligence operatives and members of the judiciary.
- 2
Political interference
Improper political direction of police operations and prosecutorial decisions, including the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team.
- 3
Corruption
Corrupt relationships and payments flowing between officials and private interests, including tender fraud.
- 4
The facilitation of organised crime
The infiltration of state structures by criminal syndicates, including the alleged “Big Five” cartel.
The panel
Commissioners
Evidence leaders
Timeline
How the commission came about
Mkhwanazi goes public
The KZN police commissioner accuses the Police Minister of political interference and the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team.
The commission is appointed
President Ramaphosa appoints a judicial commission of inquiry, chaired by Justice Madlanga.
Terms of reference gazetted
The mandate is formalised — criminality, political interference, corruption and the facilitation of organised crime.
Major milestones
Hearings commence
Mkhwanazi is the first witness, setting out his allegations in full.
The National Commissioner testifies
General Fannie Masemola largely corroborates Mkhwanazi's account.
The “Big Five” is introduced
Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo presents evidence of an organised-crime cartel and its reach into the state.
A witness is assassinated
Marius van der Merwe (“Witness D”) is shot dead outside his Brakpan home, sharpening concerns for witness safety.
First interim report
The commission hands its first interim report to the President.
Twelve officers arrested
Twelve senior police officers are arrested over the R360 million Medicare 24 tender.
Second interim report
The second interim report is submitted with recommendations and referrals.
Bribery allegations surface
MP Vusi Shongwe testifies that a suspended general offered him a R10 million bribe.
The inquiry turns to IDAC
The focus shifts to the anti-corruption directorate itself; its head, Andrea Johnson, testifies and then resigns. The deadline is extended to 16 November 2026.
The “Big Five” in photographs
Photographs of the alleged cartel are shown as retired Hawks head Godfrey Lebeya concludes his evidence.