On 23 July 2026, Advocate Andrea Johnson, head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, resumed testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into alleged criminality, political interference, and corruption in South Africa’s justice system, following her being questioned over allegations of abuse of power and leaking a confidential complaint docket. The commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga and established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2025, continues its hearings with the final report due on 16 November 2026 after a recent extension granted by the Presidency.

Focus On Allegations Within Law Enforcement

The commission’s work has increasingly concentrated on alleged corruption and criminal conduct within the South African Police Service (SAPS) and metropolitan police forces. Its second interim report, submitted to President Ramaphosa on 30 May 2026, highlighted systemic issues relating to police corruption, as well as political interference in criminal investigations, according to the commission. By December 2025, the inquiry had received 28 walk-in and 45 hotline submissions, with commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels stating, “The Commission has also been encouraged by the fact that more witnesses have come forward to assist it in getting to the bottom of the very serious allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system.”

Reporting Extension And Anticipated Impact

President Ramaphosa extended the reporting deadline on 9 July 2026, allowing the commission until 16 November 2026 to submit its final report. The Presidency stated, “The extension allows the Commission to hear evidence on all of the matters listed in its terms of reference. Without an extension, the Commission will have to leave large parts of its work unfinished.” The commission’s findings are expected to have major implications for proposed reforms and public trust in the integrity of South Africa’s justice institutions, with a particular focus on rooting out entrenched corruption.

The commission’s hearings will continue, with anticipated further testimonies and submissions before the final report is delivered later this year.