The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is expected to hear from another witness as its investigation into alleged corruption, political interference and criminal networks within South Africa’s criminal justice system continues.
The commission, established to investigate allegations of corruption and criminality within the criminal justice system, has been hearing testimony from various witnesses as it seeks to establish the extent of alleged links between law enforcement officials, politicians and individuals accused of operating criminal networks.
The new witness is expected to testify on Friday, November 13, at the Bridgette Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria. The development follows three days of testimony by alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, whose evidence has placed former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya under further scrutiny.
During his appearance, Matlala testified about his Section 204 statement, in which he detailed alleged payments to Sibiya. He told the commission that he had paid the former police official R50 000 and R500 000. These remain allegations presented during the inquiry and have not been established as findings.
Section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Act allows a witness who may have been involved in criminal activity to testify in exchange for immunity from prosecution, provided they answer questions truthfully.
The commission also heard from the acting coordinator of the National Intelligence Coordinating Committee (NICOC), Dr Ntandazo Sifolo, on Thursday.
Sifolo told the inquiry that NICOC had briefed President Cyril Ramaphosa days before KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made his explosive public allegations in July 2025.
Mkhwanazi’s July 2025 briefing brought allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption and political interference within the police service into the national spotlight, prompting calls for an independent investigation into the state of law enforcement.
The Madlanga Commission was subsequently established to investigate allegations of criminality, corruption and political interference within the criminal justice system, including claims involving senior police officials and organised criminal networks.
The inquiry is chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga and is expected to hear from several high-profile figures as it works towards establishing the facts surrounding the allegations.
Among those expected to appear in the coming weeks are Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi and Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo.
The commission is expected to conclude its work and submit its final report to President Ramaphosa by January 25, 2027.
