Ramaphosa backs fresh Madlanga Commission referrals as criminal investigations widen

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signalled the next phase of accountability flowing from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry by noting a second interim report that significantly broadens recommendations for criminal investigations and disciplinary action within South Africa's criminal justice system.

The report, submitted to the President on 29 May 2026, reinforces almost all recommendations made in the Commission's first interim report after implicated individuals were given an opportunity to testify before the inquiry.

One of the key developments is the Commission's recommendation that disciplinary proceedings be instituted and criminal investigations launched against Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, Witness G, Sergeant Fannie Nkosi and businessman Brown Mogotsi. Criminal prosecutions should follow if investigators find sufficient evidence.

The Commission has also called for an urgent investigation into an alleged off-the-books Crime Intelligence operation involving Mogotsi and Witness G. It recommends that the Office of the Inspector General for Intelligence, or another suitably empowered authority, lead the probe.

The Presidency said these recommendations are made in accordance with the Commission's terms of reference, which empower it to refer matters requiring immediate criminal investigation, prosecution or further inquiry where evidence justifies urgent intervention.

Rather than creating a new investigative structure, the latest referrals will be incorporated into the work of the SAPS special investigations task team established after the Commission's first interim report. That task team has already been mandated to prioritise investigations into individuals identified by the inquiry.

The second interim report follows the first report submitted in December 2025 and comes as the Commission continues examining allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption within the criminal justice system. Its final report is expected to be handed to President Ramaphosa on 16 November 2026.

The latest referrals suggest the Commission is moving beyond exposing alleged misconduct to accelerating accountability through disciplinary processes, criminal investigations and possible prosecutions.