Madlanga Commission Adjourns Hearings, Resumes October 13 Following Witness Illness
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, formally known as the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, has temporarily suspended its public hearings. The hearings will resume on October 13, 2025, following an unexpected adjournment and a scheduled break.
Reason for the Adjournment
The commission proceedings were halted due to two primary factors: the sudden illness of a key witness, Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, and the scheduled unavailability of Commissioner Sesi Baloyi. Baloyi will be attending to her duties as a member of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) from October 6 to 10.
Lieutenant General Khumalo, who serves as the Divisional Commissioner for Crime Intelligence, fell ill while testifying on October 1. According to commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga adjourned the hearings when Khumalo was unable to continue providing evidence.
Details on Khumalo's Condition
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe have confirmed that Lieutenant General Khumalo is in good spirits and receiving the best possible medical care. He reportedly felt unwell upon arriving at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria. Masemola is in constant contact with the senior officer and assures the public that Khumalo is adhering to his physician's advice.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has emphasized that Khumalo's health is the priority, and the Madlanga Commission will be updated on his condition and availability to resume testimony.
Previous Testimony and Commission's Focus
Before his illness, Lieutenant General Khumalo had been presenting what has been described as explosive evidence related to allegations of criminal syndicates infiltrating South Africa’s justice system. His testimony included WhatsApp messages between businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and Brown Mogotsi, an associate of suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu, allegedly revealing corruption and political interference.
The Madlanga Commission, established to investigate these allegations, has already heard testimony from several high-ranking officials, including:
- Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner
- General Fannie Masemola, National Police Commissioner
- Elaine Harrison, KZN Director of Public Prosecutions at the National Prosecuting Authority
- Major General Petronella van Rooyen, Head of Governance, Legislation and Policy in the SAPS Legal Services Division
Commission Setbacks and Future Outlook
The commission has faced prior delays, including an initial postponement due to logistical and procurement issues within the Department of Justice. Despite these setbacks, the commission is expected to continue hearing testimony from top law enforcement and prosecutorial officials.
With hearings set to resume on October 13, 2025, focus will likely return to Lieutenant General Khumalo's testimony and its potential impact on the commission's mandate. Observers are closely monitoring whether the commission will need to revise its timetable in response to the recent interruptions.
Public Concerns and Social Media Reaction
Lieutenant General Khumalo's illness has sparked speculation and concern among the public, with many expressing fears of potential foul play given the sensitive nature of his evidence. Some social media users have urged prayers for his safety, while officials have dismissed these concerns, reiterating that robust protections are in place for all witnesses.
