President Cyril Ramaphosa has granted the Madlanga Commission more time to wrap up its work, pushing the final report deadline to August 31, 2026.
The inquiry, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was originally expected to deliver its final report by March 17.
But the Presidency confirmed the deadline has been pushed back following a request from the commission, which says several key witnesses are still scheduled to testify.
“This extension was granted at the request of the commission due to the number of persons who must still appear.
“The President appointed the Judicial Commission Inquiry in terms of section 84(2)(f) of the Constitution on July 21, 2025,” the presidency said in a statement.
Under the revised timetable, the commission must submit a second interim report by May 29, 2026, before delivering its final findings at the end of August.
Ramaphosa established the inquiry under Section 84(2)(f) of the Constitution after explosive allegations by KZN Police Commissioner Lt-Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi triggered national concern about political interference and organised corruption inside the justice system.
The commission, which also includes advocates Sesi Baloyi SC and Sandile Khumalo SC, has already warned that its investigation uncovered issues requiring urgent action.
Its first interim report, submitted on December 17, 2025, referred several matters for immediate criminal investigation and called for urgent decisions on possible prosecutions.
It also raised concerns about the employment status of certain officials and recommended suspensions in some cases.
Hearings resumed in January and have since drawn a stream of senior police officers, municipal officials and political figures into the spotlight.
Witnesses have alleged coordinated efforts to manipulate criminal investigations, shield politically connected individuals and weaken the rule of law.
Among those implicated in testimony are Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Major-General Lesetja Senona, whose appearances before the commission have dominated several days of proceedings.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
IOL Politics
