Madlanga Commission Submits Interim Report on Criminal Justice System Corruption to President Ramaphosa

Interim Report Delivered to Presidency

Pretoria, South Africa – The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, widely known as the Madlanga Commission, officially submitted its interim report to President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. This marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into deep-seated issues affecting South Africa's law enforcement and judicial institutions.

Commission's Mandate and Proceedings

Established by President Ramaphosa in July 2025, the commission is chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. Its broad mandate is to investigate allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption within the country's criminal justice system, including the police, intelligence services, prosecution authorities, and the judiciary. The inquiry was prompted by serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who testified in September 2025 about the alleged infiltration of criminal syndicates into state bodies.

Since commencing public hearings on September 17, 2025, the commission has conducted proceedings over 45 days, hearing evidence from 37 witnesses. The extensive material collected includes 8,087 pages of hearing transcripts and 120 document bundles, comprising witness statements and evidence files. The commission has also received numerous submissions from the public, including 28 walk-in submissions and 89 hotline submissions, of which 45 were deemed within its terms of reference.

Presidential Review and Transparency Concerns

President Ramaphosa will now study the interim report while the commission, currently in recess, prepares for further testimony in the new year. The Presidency has stated that the interim report will not be made public at this stage, a decision that has drawn concerns regarding transparency from various civil society groups. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya indicated that the interim report is not a final conclusion and that the full findings will be released with the final report, expected around March 2026.

President Ramaphosa has expressed his appreciation for the commission's work and reiterated his expectation that, as part of its terms of reference, the commission will refer any actions appearing to constitute criminal conduct for prosecution. The commission's work is seen as crucial for strengthening the rule of law, restoring public confidence in the criminal justice system, and ensuring accountability in South Africa.