PRETORIA, South Africa — The high-stakes Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has officially resumed its public hearings today, Monday, January 26, 2026, marking a critical new phase in the investigation into systemic corruption and political interference within South Africa’s criminal justice system.
The commission, led by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseni Madlanga, returns to the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College following a December break that was marred by the brutal assassination of a key whistleblower.
Focus: The Disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT)
According to reports from eNCA and SABC News, today’s proceedings will focus on the controversial disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
- Political Interference: The commission is investigating explosive claims made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who alleged that senior politicians and top brass within the SAPS deliberately neutralized the PKTT to protect a well-connected “Big Five” drug and crime cartel.
- New Witnesses: Two new witnesses are expected to take the stand today. While their identities are often withheld until the last moment for safety reasons, their testimony is expected to corroborate Mkhwanazi’s claims of executive overreach by the Ministry of Police.
A Dark Cloud: The Murder of “Witness D”
The resumption of the commission occurs under a heavy security presence following the killing of Marius van der Merwe (known publicly as Witness D) in December 2025.
- Van der Merwe was gunned down outside his Brakpan home after implicating high-ranking officials, including suspended deputy Ekurhuleni police chief Julius Mkhwanazi, in violent crimes and racketeering.
- Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels emphasized that the safety of truth-tellers remains a top priority, with some witnesses now testifying remotely or via intermediaries to safeguard their identities.
What’s Next This Week?
The “Phase Two” hearings are designed to give those implicated—including senior officers and politicians—the opportunity to respond to the allegations leveled against them in 2025.
- Tuesday, Jan 27: KZN Hawks boss Major-General Lesetja Senona is scheduled to appear.
- Coming Soon: High-profile figures such as corruption-accused SAPS General Shadrack Sibiya and suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu are anticipated to face intense questioning later this week.
The Road to the Final Report
To date, the commission has heard from 37 witnesses over 45 days. An interim report was delivered to President Cyril Ramaphosa on December 17, 2025, though the Presidency has indicated it will not yet be made public. The commission has approximately three more months of hearings scheduled before a final report is tabled.
For many South Africans, the Madlanga Commission represents a “litmus test” for the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) ability to clean up a police service that many believe has been “captured” by organized crime.
Source Credit: Based on reporting by eNCA, SABC News, and The Citizen.
