Judicial commission submits interim report to Ramaphosa after three months of hearings

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System has submitted its interim report to President Cyril Ramaphosa, marking a key milestone in its work.

The commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said the interim report was delivered Wednesday exactly three months after Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi appeared as the first witness before the commission.

Mkhwanazi testified under oath on 17 September 2025, expanding on allegations he had publicly raised at a media briefing in Durban on 6 July 2025.

Since then, the commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga alongside co-commissioners Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC, has heard evidence from 37 witnesses over 45 days of hearings.

Of these, 28 witnesses testified during Phase One, which focused on airing, substantiating and corroborating the allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption. A further nine witnesses have so far appeared during Phase Two, responding to allegations made against them, with dozens more expected to testify in 2026.

Hearings have taken place in formats ranging from fully public to partially public, with one session held entirely in camera.

Michaels said the brutal murder of witnesses D- Marius van der Merwe outside his home early this month, in front of his wife and children, marked a “critical inflection point” for the commission.

“Mr van der Merwe’s murder is a stark reminder of the determination of certain criminal elements who do not want accountability and justice to take its course,” Michaels said, adding that the commission would not be intimidated.

The commission has called on law enforcement agencies to urgently track down and prosecute those responsible, warning against attempts to undermine the rule of law.

Despite the killing, Michaels said the commission had been encouraged by an increase in witnesses coming forward to assist with its work.

Since its establishment, he said the commission has received 28 walk-in submissions, while 45 of the 89 submissions received via its hotline were found to fall within its terms of reference.

He said the commission’s record to date includes more than 8,000 pages of hearing transcripts and 120 document bundles, comprising witness statements and evidentiary material.

Michaels expressed appreciation to witnesses, state entities, service providers and commission staff for their support, particularly at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College, where hearings have been held.

He said the commission will close between Christmas and New Year, with only essential staff remaining on duty.

Further, he said preparations for the continuation of the Commission's work in 2026 will continue and an announcement on the resumption of public hearings is expected in January.

“We thank members of the public for engaging with the critically important work of the commission and wish all South Africans a safe and blessed festive season,” Michaels said.