Madlanga Commission to hear witness evidence behind closed doors

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry will hear evidence from witnesses behind closed doors on Friday, 6 November 2026, after ordering that the proceedings be conducted in camera.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commission said members of the public and the media would not be permitted to attend the proceedings.

Only the Commissioners, evidence leaders, witnesses, attorneys representing the Commission and authorised administrative staff will be allowed inside the hearing.

The Commission further directed that all information arising from the closed proceedings be treated as confidential.

This includes transcripts, recordings and any documentation linked to the evidence presented during Friday’s hearing.

Those permitted to attend have also been prohibited from disclosing information arising from the proceedings, unless otherwise directed by the Chairperson.

The decision means that details of the evidence presented by the witnesses will not be available to the public while the proceedings are underway.

The Madlanga Commission is investigating allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system.

The Commission’s latest ruling comes as it continues to hear evidence relating to its wide-ranging investigation into allegations that have raised questions about the functioning and integrity of the criminal justice system.

The Commission has not publicly disclosed the reasons for restricting access to Friday’s proceedings in the ruling.

The closed-door hearing will therefore prevent journalists and members of the public from directly observing the testimony or reporting on evidence presented during the session.

The Commission has also warned those attending the proceedings against sharing information from the hearing, reinforcing the confidential nature of Friday’s session.