Ramaphosa extends Madlanga Commission deadline to November to complete key investigations

President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved an extension of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, giving the commission until 16 November 2026 to submit its final report.

The commission had initially been expected to conclude its work and submit its findings by 31 August 2026. Under the revised timetable, it must complete the hearing of evidence by 2 October 2026, before preparing and submitting its final report six weeks later.

In a statement on Thursday the Presidency said that the extension will enable the commission to conclude investigations into issues that emerged during public hearings and ensure all matters contained in its terms of reference are fully examined.

The Presidency said that without additional time, significant aspects of the inquiry would have remained incomplete.

The extension follows indications from the commission that it required more time to hear outstanding witnesses and close off several lines of investigation that have developed since the inquiry began.

President Ramaphosa also reiterated his appreciation for the work carried out by the commission, chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, and commended the cooperation between the inquiry and law enforcement agencies investigating evidence that has emerged during the hearings.

The commission was established to investigate allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption within South Africa's criminal justice system, including claims relating to the operations of Crime Intelligence and other law enforcement structures.

Its final report is expected to contain findings and recommendations aimed at strengthening accountability and restoring public confidence in the country's criminal justice institutions.