President Cyril Ramaphosa has granted the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry a further extension, pushing the deadline for its final report to January 25. The commission was previously expected to conclude its work by November 16 this year. The Presidency says the extension will allow investigators more time to assess new evidence and expert testimony linked to the inquiry’s mandate.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says additional issues emerged during hearings, making more time necessary to complete the commission’s work. President Ramaphosa has also praised the commission’s progress and the response of law-enforcement agencies to evidence uncovered during proceedings. The inquiry is investigating allegations of corruption, criminality and political interference within South Africa’s criminal justice system.
The commission has already submitted two interim reports to the President, which led to referrals for investigations and disciplinary action involving several senior police officials. Among those implicated are former Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona, Major-General Richard Shibiri and other SAPS members. The commission’s second interim report also recommended investigations involving suspended deputy national police commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya and businessman Brown Mogotsi.
Meanwhile, hearings continue as investigators deal with outstanding witnesses and unresolved matters. The testimony of Crime Intelligence deputy Major-General Feroz Khan was recently postponed following his hospitalisation. Commission chair, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga has stressed that no final findings have yet been made on the allegations before the commission.
