President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the timeframe for the Judicial Commission of Inquiry probing allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system.
The inquiry follows allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal SAPS provincial commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who on 6 July 2025 raised concerns about alleged interference and corruption within the country’s criminal justice structures.
The commission, chaired by former Constitutional Court justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga was established to investigate the claims and assess the extent of alleged wrongdoing within law enforcement and related institutions.
According to the Presidency, the commission will now submit its second interim report by 29 May 2026, while the final report is expected on 31 August 2026 once the inquiry concludes. The extension was granted after the commission requested additional time due to the number of witnesses and individuals who still need to appear before it.
The commission was formally appointed by Ramaphosa on 21 July 2025 in terms of Section 84(2)(f) of the Constitution, which empowers the president to establish commissions of inquiry.
Madlanga serves as chairperson of the inquiry, with Sesi Baloyi and Sandile Khumalo appointed as fellow commissioners.
The commission submitted its first interim report on 17 December 2025 before resuming its hearings in January this year.
“The Commission submitted its first interim report to the President on 17 December 2025 and resumed its activities in January of this year. In its interim report, the Commission referred a number of matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution, as well as recommendations on the employment status and recommended suspension of individuals,” the Presidency said in a statement.
The interim findings also included recommendations concerning the employment status of certain individuals, including proposals for suspensions while investigations continue.
The commission is expected to continue hearing testimony and examining evidence in the coming months as it works toward completing its investigation into alleged corruption and political interference affecting South Africa’s criminal justice system.
Saturday Star