Ramaphosa extends Madlanga Commission’s lifespan again
President Ramaphosa also expressed appreciation for the commission's work and the progress made by law enforcement agencies.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the reporting deadline for the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, giving the inquiry more time to complete its work.
The commission will now submit its final report on November 16, instead of the previously anticipated August 31.
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According to the Presidency, the extension sets an evidence deadline of October 2, 2026, allowing the commission to conclude evidence on matters already opened during hearings before compiling its final report.
The Presidency said the additional time would enable the commission to hear evidence on all matters contained in its terms of reference.
“Without an extension, the Commission will have to leave large parts of its work unfinished,” the Presidency said.
President Ramaphosa also expressed appreciation for the commission’s work and the progress made by law enforcement agencies in acting on evidence emerging from the hearings.
Commission previously sought more time
The extension follows confirmation by the commission that it was engaging with Ramaphosa over the need for additional time because of the volume of outstanding evidence still to be heard.
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Speaking while on a visit to Cofimvaba in the Chris Hani Municipality in the Eastern Cape this week, Ramaphosa indicated he was open to granting the request.
“I am very pleased with the work that is being done through the Madlanga Commission. It may well be that they need a little bit more time, and I’ll listen to that request if it comes,” he said.
High-profile witnesses still to testify
Among the witnesses still expected to appear before the commission is controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is scheduled to testify on July 15 after his earlier appearance was postponed because of procedural and security-related matters.
Chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, the commission has spent the past year hearing allegations involving senior police officers, politicians, businesspeople and organised crime figures.
The inquiry was established after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi held an unprecedented media briefing on July 6, 2025, alleging political interference in policing and organised crime investigations.
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Ramaphosa formally established the commission on July 21, 2025, under Section 84(2)(f) of the Constitution, appointing Justice Madlanga as chairperson, with Advocates Sesi Baloyi SC and Sandile Khumalo SC serving as commissioners.
The commission has already submitted one interim report, referring several matters for urgent criminal investigation, prosecutorial decisions and recommendations relating to the employment status and suspension of certain individuals.
The inquiry has already heard evidence from senior police officials, politicians and businesspeople, with several investigations and arrests flowing from testimony presented before the commission.
