In-Camera Madlanga Commission Resumes

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is set to resume its hearings today, with proceed ings expected to take place behind closed doors due to the sensitive nature of the ev idence to be presented. The commission, chaired by Justice Mad langa, is probing allegations of political in terference, corruption, and criminality within the justice system. It last convened on Thurs day, 2 October, before adjourning to allow further preparations for the next phase of testimony. On Friday, the commission’s spokesper son, Jeremy Michaels, announced that the in quiry would reconvene on Monday, 13 Octo ber, and that an application had been lodged for the hearings to be conducted in camera. til further notice.” According to Michaels, the decision to seek closed sessions is based on the classi f ied or potentially compromising nature of the testimony expected in the coming days. He also clarified speculation around up coming witnesses, confirming that Lieuten ant-General Dumisani Khumalo will not be testifying during this period. “To clarify, Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo will not testify during this phase. The commission remains committed to the principles of transparency and accountabili ty. Should circumstances permit a change in the mode of hearing, the media and the pub lic will be informed accordingly.” To date, five witnesses have appeared be fore the commission, among them Khumalo himself; KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police com missioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi; national police commissioner Fannie Masemola; head of police legal services Petronella Mar garetha van Rooyen; and KZN Director of Public Prosecutions Elaine Harrison. Their testimonies have painted a consist ent picture of internal pressure and political meddling, particularly around the disband “In view of the nature of the evidence to be presented when the hearings resume, the evidence leaders will apply for the hearings to be conducted in camera, in a closed ses sion at which the media and members of the public will not be allowed,” Michaels said. “If the commission grants the application, the hearings will then proceed in camera un ment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). Several witnesses confirmed that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s instruction to dissolve the specialised unit went beyond his legal authority. The commission has also heard evidence implicating Deputy National Police Com missioner Shadrack Sibiya in the controver sial move, alongside allegations of his asso ciation with businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, whose name has surfaced in previ ous corruption claims. Both Mchunu and Sibiya currently face official consequences: Mchunu is on spe cial leave, while Sibiya has been suspended pending disciplinary proceedings. As the inquiry shifts into a more sensitive phase, its next steps are being watched close ly — not only for what they reveal about po licing and governance, but for what they may mean for the future of accountability within South Africa’s justice system. Meanwhile, Parliament’s ad hoc com mittee continues its own work, with Sibiya expected to face tough questions from Mem bers of Parliament today as part of its sepa rate oversight process.