Madlanga: Public will see it all — no secret hearings in Mkhwanazi corruption probe

Madlanga

Cape Town – Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, chair of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into corruption and political interference in South Africa’s criminal justice system, says requests for evidence to be heard behind closed doors will not be easily granted.

During a Sandton briefing on Monday, Madlanga emphasised the need for transparency, especially given the serious nature of the allegations raised by KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The allegations have raised national concern over alleged deep-rooted corruption and collusion involving state officials and law enforcement structures.

While sensitive matters like state security may warrant confidentiality, each application will be scrutinised, Madlanga said.

As a general rule, the public will have access to the omission hearing, which will also be live-streamed. The media and the public will be able to attend all hearings of the commission,” said Madlanga.

The commission, set up by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is still in its early stages and will submit interim reports after three and six months, with a final report to be presented to Parliament and the chief justice.

Madlanga admitted that the six-month deadline to complete the investigation is “quite tight”.

He said that the allegations span a wide spectrum, warning that further consultations and investigations may expose additional layers of misconduct.

Despite the time constraints, Madlanga confirmed that the commission will aim to deliver within the six-month period.

However, the commission’s terms of reference provide for a possible extension if necessary.

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