Madlanga Commission: ‘Serious criminality’ emerging in justice system

Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga says evidence heard by the Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System is showing indications of serious criminality within the country’s justice system.

Marking a year since Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi became the commission’s first witness, Madlanga reflected on the allegations that were initially brought before the inquiry.

Mkhwanazi made the allegations public during a media briefing on 6 July 2025 before appearing before the commission on 17 September last year to give evidence under oath.

At the time, Madlanga said the allegations were so serious that, if proven, they could have major implications for South Africa’s criminal justice system and the functioning of the constitutional democracy.

Mkhwanazi’s allegations included claims of criminal elements infiltrating the justice system and exerting undue influence over state officials.

A year later, Madlanga said emerging evidence was providing indications that criminality within the criminal justice system may indeed exist.

He pointed to several people within the criminal justice system who have since faced criminal charges, while others have been dismissed or subjected to disciplinary proceedings.

“Unfortunately, what is emerging from the evidence is that there are indications of serious criminality within the criminal justice system,” Madlanga said.

He said it was encouraging that what appeared to be criminality within the system was being exposed, as this could help address the problem.

However, Madlanga said the revelations were also concerning because they suggested that corrupt and easily influenced state officials may have been part of the criminal justice system for some time.

He questioned how many criminals may have avoided criminal charges and sanctions over the years because of improper influence over state officials.

Madlanga stressed that the commission had not yet reached final conclusions, as all evidence still needed to be considered before findings could be made in its final report.

He said the commission hoped the process would ultimately lead to justice being served and to mechanisms being introduced to prevent similar conduct from recurring.

Madlanga also thanked members of the public, institutions and others who have supported the commission's work, saying the strong public support for the inquiry had not gone unnoticed.