Madlanga Commission Receives Extension
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the period for the Madlanga Commission to complete its work and submit its final report. This decision comes as the commission continues to investigate serious allegations affecting the integrity of South Africa’s criminal justice system.
The commission was established on 21 July 2025, following allegations made by Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on 6 July 2025. Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga chairs the commission, which aims to address critical issues within the South African Police Service.
As part of its ongoing work, the commission is set to submit a second interim report by 29 May 2026 and a final report on 31 August 2026. The commission had previously submitted its first interim report on 17 December 2025 and resumed its hearings in January 2026.
During the hearings, the commission is examining allegations related to an irregular tender awarded to Medicare24, amounting to R360 million, by the South African Police Service in June 2024. Evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson has raised concerns regarding the tender, stating, “There is no innocent explanation for just overlooking the fact that more than R2 million beyond what you have disclosed also happened to be paid.”
Furthermore, Carrim’s lawyers intend to file a postponement application during the commission’s hearings, a move opposed by Chaskalson. Rafik Bhana, another key figure in the proceedings, noted the complexity of the documents involved, describing them as “intense line items of hundreds and hundreds, if not thousands of transactions.”
The extension of the commission’s timeline was granted following a request due to the number of witnesses still needing to appear. The commission is also making recommendations regarding the employment status and possible suspension of certain individuals involved in the investigation.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full implications of the findings and recommendations that may arise from the commission’s work. Observers are closely watching how the commission’s conclusions will impact the South African criminal justice landscape.
