Johannesburg – The Madlanga Commission, a judicial inquiry into criminality, political interference, and corruption in South Africa’s criminal justice system, has confirmed that KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi will be its first witness.
His allegations of political interference prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish the commission.
Speaking during a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday, commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said consultations with Mkhwanazi are ongoing ahead of the first public hearing on 17 September.
“The commission is still in consultation with Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi. It has reserved him and plans to continue those consultations throughout this week, as well as the early part of next week, ahead of the first public hearing to be held next Wednesday,” Michaels said.
The Madlanga Commission of Enquiry tasked with investigating corruption allegations made by KZN Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, says it is has made progress in its preparations.
Members of the commission are briefing the media in Pretoria this afternoon, ahead of the… pic.twitter.com/ysUGhJL1Ei
— Kaya News (@KayaNews) September 8, 2025
The commission is also engaging with Parliament’s ad hoc committee, which wants Mkhwanazi to testify before it. Other witnesses, whose identities remain confidential for security reasons, will also be called.
Preparations for the hearings have included installing ICT systems, cybersecurity measures, and live-streaming services at the Bridgitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria, where the hearings will take place.
KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi will be the first witness to testify before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry when hearings begin in Pretoria on the 17th of September. The Commission, appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, confirmed at a briefing… pic.twitter.com/pAEJNSVSAF
— SABC News (@SABCNews) September 8, 2025
Evidence leader Advocate Mathew Chaskalson clarified that the commission’s findings will be recommendations to the president, not legally binding rulings. Some witnesses will testify publicly, while others will appear in camera for security reasons.
The commission has also introduced a confidential hotline for the public to submit information.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
