The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, continued its public hearings on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, investigating allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system. The commission, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2025, has so far held 131 days of hearings, focusing on the infiltration of criminal syndicates and institutional corruption in the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Metro Police Departments.

Commission Mandate And Progress

The commission was mandated to uncover systemic weaknesses by interrogating high-level claims of collusion, criminal infiltration, and political interference in the police and justice system. According to its public record, the commission has reconstructed four major case files, tracked 22 individuals, and mapped a key criminal network. Hearings resumed on 1 June 2026 following a short recess to prepare its second interim report, which was submitted on 29 May 2026, as confirmed by the Presidency.

Speaking during a recent session, commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said, “The commission will, over the coming months – ahead of its final deadline at the end of August 2026 – continue to expand its focus on areas of its Terms of Reference, which have not yet been covered.” Public interest in the hearings remains high, with live broadcasts available on SABC+ and other platforms.

Significance And Next Steps

The inquiry’s work has become central to national efforts to restore public confidence in South Africa’s criminal justice system. Its findings are expected to shape future reforms and accountability measures for SAPS and city police agencies. The upcoming final report, due by 31 August 2026, is anticipated to summarise the commission’s conclusions and recommendations for systemic change.

The Presidency has outlined that, “The commission shall submit a second interim report by 29 May 2026 and a final report on the completion of the inquiry, on 31 August 2026.” The next hearing sessions will cover outstanding areas of the commission’s mandate before formal proceedings conclude in August.