Madlanga Commission Opens Hearings to Probe Syndicate Capture of Justice System

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry officially opened its hearings today at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Tshwane, beginning what is expected to be one of South Africa’s most critical investigations into alleged criminal infiltration of the justice system.

Setting the Tone

The commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, began on Wednesday with a solemn address mapping out the framework of its inquiry. Justice Madlanga underscored the gravity of the allegations that prompted the commission’s establishment—claims first made public by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on 6 July 2025.

Mkhwanazi alleged the existence of a powerful criminal syndicate with reach into the South African Police Service (SAPS), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and intelligence agencies. These claims shocked the nation and raised urgent concerns about the integrity of the institutions meant to uphold the rule of law.

The Stakes for South Africa’s Democracy

Justice Madlanga highlighted the importance of the inquiry to the survival of constitutional democracy in South Africa.

“If the allegations are proved to be true, that spells doom for South Africa’s criminal justice system. A healthy criminal justice system is key to the rule of law and, in turn, to a functioning constitutional democracy,” he said.

He warned that a compromised justice system—one manipulated by corrupt or pliable officials—would allow powerful criminals, particularly those in leadership or government, to escape accountability.

Subversion of Justice

Madlanga cautioned that infiltration of the justice system may manifest in several ways: intimidation of officials, improper inducements, or outright corruption in decision-making processes. Each of these, he said, erodes the credibility and functioning of the institutions tasked with delivering justice.

“Malleability, corruption and dysfunctionality in the criminal justice system are at odds with what we, South Africans, expect of and are entitled to from a criminal justice system,” he added.

The chairperson likened these forms of subversion to a “cancer” eating away at the very foundations of the state, insisting that the time for speculation is over and the time for evidence-based investigation has begun.

Scope of the Commission

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System—commonly known as the Madlanga Commission—was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in response to Mkhwanazi’s revelations.

Its mandate includes investigating:

• The extent of criminal syndicate influence within law enforcement, the NPA, intelligence agencies, and the judiciary.

• Cases of political interference in the functioning of the justice system.

• Whether senior officials or political leaders benefited from, or turned a blind eye to, criminal activities.

• The intimidation or silencing of whistleblowers and officials resisting corruption.

The commission also has the power to refer matters for immediate criminal investigation and will deliver interim reports within three and six months before submitting a final report to the President, the Speaker of the National Assembly, and the Chief Justice.

A Moment of Public Interest

The hearings have drawn significant attention from South Africans, many of whom have become increasingly disillusioned with the country’s ability to combat crime and corruption. Justice Madlanga acknowledged this public interest, noting that it reflected the seriousness of the allegations.

“Ours, from today onwards, is to investigate whether our criminal justice system is what it should be or whether it has been infiltrated by criminal syndicates,” he declared.

Looking Ahead

As proceedings continue, Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi is expected to be among the first witnesses to give evidence. His testimony will be central to understanding the depth of alleged criminal infiltration and may implicate senior figures in law enforcement and politics.

For now, the opening session of the Madlanga Commission sets the stage for a potentially seismic investigation—one that could reshape public trust in South Africa’s justice system and redefine accountability for years to come.