Ramaphosa receives Madlanga Commission interim report

President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the much-anticipated interim report of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, which was delivered on schedule following months of high-profile testimony and investigation.

The report comes amid heightened public interest and scrutiny over allegations of criminal networks, political interference, and corruption that have shaken confidence in South Africa’s policing and justice institutions.

The Presidency confirmed that Ramaphosa received the interim report on Wednesday, 17 December 2025. The Commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was established in July 2025 to probe allegations of organised criminal networks, corruption and political interference within the criminal justice system.

The establishment of the Commission followed a media briefing held on 6 July 2025 by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. During that briefing, Mkhwanazi raised concerns about the existence of criminal syndicates and interference by senior officials within policing and related institutions. The briefing triggered widespread public concern and led to calls for an independent judicial inquiry.

Since the July briefing, several high profile suspensions have taken place. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was suspended, along with General Shadrack Sibiya. The Acting Head of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi, was also suspended. He is accused of fitting blue lights to vehicles belonging to alleged underworld kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

According to the Presidency, President Ramaphosa will study the interim report while the Commission, which is currently in recess, prepares to hear further testimony from new witnesses as well as individuals who have already appeared before it. The President has expressed appreciation for the interim report and has indicated that he expects the Commission to refer any conduct believed to constitute criminal acts for further investigation and possible prosecution.

A number of individuals implicated in the allegations, along with other witnesses, have already testified before the Commission. The hearings have underscored the seriousness of the claims and their potential implications for the integrity of the criminal justice system.

The Commission has also been overshadowed by violence linked to its work. One witness who testified, Marius van der Merwe, was shot and killed in front of his wife and two small children. Van der Merwe was remembered at a memorial service held on Wednesday, where concerns were raised about the safety of witnesses participating in the inquiry.

Civil society organisations and members of the public have called for the interim report to be made public. However, Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said this week that only the final report of the Madlanga Commission will be released since dome witnesses have to return to the commission. The Commission is expected to resume hearings in the new year.