The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry will begin its public hearings on Wednesday, with all attention focused on its first witness, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The judicial commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July to investigate allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system. This follows explosive claims made by General Mkhwanazi himself.
His testimony is expected to address serious allegations, including political meddling in police operations, the disbanding of specialized units investigating political killings, and collusion by senior officials to protect criminal networks.
The hearings will be held at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria. The commission has confirmed that all technical systems and witness protection measures are in place for the proceedings.
Given its potential to expose deep-seated corruption within the police, prosecuting authority, and intelligence services, the inquiry has drawn intense public and media interest. Mkhwanazi’s testimony is anticipated to set the crucial tone for the entire investigation.