According to proceedings at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, the commission has formally apologised to Colonel Brian Padayachee, a senior investigator with the Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), after an administrative mistake resulted in him receiving an incomplete version of an important annexure before he was due to give evidence.
The apology was delivered by evidence leader Mahlape Sello during the hearing. Sello acknowledged that the commission’s administration had made an error by leaving out several pages from the document provided to Padayachee. The missing pages reportedly contained important dates that were relevant to his preparation and the evidence he was expected to present before the commission.
Addressing the issue in open proceedings, Sello expressed regret for the oversight and said the error should not have happened. He emphasised that the commission is committed to making sure that everyone appearing before it receives complete and accurate documents. He added that procedural fairness remains a key part of the commission’s work and that witnesses should have access to all relevant records before giving testimony.
Once the mistake was identified, the missing pages were located and immediately handed to Padayachee and his legal team. This allowed the commission to correct the problem before the hearing continued.
Padayachee’s legal representatives accepted the apology, saying it was the appropriate response to the situation. However, they also requested additional time to study the newly provided material before their client resumed his testimony. They argued that it was important for Padayachee to review the complete annexure so that his evidence would be based on the full documentary record rather than an incomplete version.
Padayachee then asked for the proceedings to be adjourned until 12:00 to allow enough time to examine the corrected documents, especially the pages containing the previously omitted dates. The request was intended to prevent any disadvantage that could have resulted from the administrative mistake and to ensure that his testimony remained accurate and fully informed.
The incident has drawn attention to the importance of careful document management during commissions of inquiry. Witnesses often rely on detailed records to provide evidence on complex matters, and even small administrative errors can interrupt proceedings and affect the preparation of those appearing before the panel.
Although the mistake briefly delayed the hearing, the commission was able to continue after the missing pages were supplied. Padayachee’s testimony is expected to resume once he and his legal team have completed their review of the corrected documents. The Madlanga Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting its work in a fair, transparent, and orderly manner as it continues hearing evidence.
