By Johnathan Paoli
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System has announced that its public hearings will resume in two and a half weeks’ time on 13 October, following a scheduled recess and the sudden adjournment of proceedings on Wednesday.
In a statement issued by commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels, it was confirmed that the hearings would pause from 6 to 10 October due to the unavailability of Commissioner Sesi Baloyi, who will be fulfilling her duties as a member of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
The commission had initially been expected to continue hearings until Friday, but proceedings were unexpectedly cut short on Wednesday.
Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, who is presiding over the inquiry, adjourned the session after key witness Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, head of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence, fell ill and was unable to continue with his testimony.
Khumalo has been a central figure in the inquiry’s recent hearings, where he has been giving evidence about alleged corruption, cartel involvement and political interference within the police service.
His testimony has already linked senior political figures and businessmen to criminal syndicates, making his account one of the most closely watched at the commission.
The unexpected pause means the inquiry will effectively stand down for nearly two weeks before resuming mid-October.
When it reconvenes, Khumalo is expected to continue his testimony under questioning by senior counsel, before other high-profile witnesses are called.
The commission, established to investigate deep-rooted corruption and political meddling in South Africa’s criminal justice system, has been sitting since mid-September.
It is mandated to make findings and recommendations on systemic failures and alleged collusion between state officials, politicians and organised crime.
Earlier on Wednesday, SAPS issued a statement assuring the public that Khumalo was being taken well care of medically following his reported illness in the morning.
The commission has also called upon the country to refrain from speculating on the reason for the witness’ illness and pause in testifying.
INSIDE POLITICS
[SRC] https://insidepolitic.co.za/madlanga-commission-to-resume-hearings-on-13-october/
