The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is set to resume proceedings on Monday morning after a turbulent period marked by postponed testimony, heightened security concerns, and renewed scrutiny of alleged corruption in Ekurhuleni. The hearings matter now as the commission enters a critical phase focused on criminality and political interference within law enforcement structures.
Commission officials confirmed that proceedings would resume at 09:30, with multiple witnesses expected to appear over the coming days.
READ MORE: ANC’s Suleiman Carrim Seeks Madlanga Commission Postponement
Focus Returns to Criminality and Corruption in Ekurhuleni
According to commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels, the hearings will return to examining allegations of criminality and corruption linked to the City of Ekurhuleni.
He said the commission would continue to hear evidence from individuals connected to the allegations under investigation, as phase two of the inquiry gathers momentum.
The commission is chaired by retired Constitutional Court justice Mbuyiseni Madlanga and is probing claims of systemic wrongdoing within the South African Police Service and the broader criminal justice system.
Testimony Postponed for ANC Member Suliman Carrim
Last week, the commission granted a postponement to North West businessman and ANC member Suliman Carrim, whose legal team requested additional time to prepare.
Carrim’s lawyers told the commission they had not been afforded sufficient opportunity to study the evidence he is expected to respond to. Commissioner Madlanga approved the postponement, with Carrim now scheduled to testify on 9 and 10 March.
Carrim has been instructed to submit his affidavit by 27 February.
Legal Challenge to Subpoena
Carrim remains under scrutiny after approaching the South Gauteng High Court on an urgent basis to block the commission from issuing a subpoena compelling him to testify.
The legal challenge added further delays to proceedings and underscored the growing tension surrounding witnesses expected to appear before the commission.
Weekend Developments Raise Witness Safety Concerns
Developments over the weekend intensified concerns around witness safety linked to the inquiry.
Wyiandre Pretorius, who had been implicated during testimony before the commission, died on Saturday. Authorities confirmed that the incident occurred at a petrol station in Brakpan on the East Rand.
The South African Police Service said the matter is under investigation.
Prior Attempted Hit Reported in Boksburg
Pretorius had previously survived an attempted hit days earlier in Boksburg, where gunmen opened fire on his vehicle. Police confirmed that the incident occurred in the presence of his partner, a serving police sergeant, following a dispute.
No arrests have yet been announced in connection with the shooting.
Links to Previous Witness Testimony
Pretorius had been named during testimony by Marius van der Merwe, referred to as Witness D during the commission’s November 2025 hearings.
Van der Merwe was later killed outside his home in December. Following his death, President Cyril Ramaphosa said security measures would be strengthened to protect witnesses and individuals linked to the inquiry.
What the Madlanga Commission Is Investigating
The Madlanga Commission is examining allegations of:
- Corruption within the South African Police Service
- Political interference in policing and prosecutions
- Criminal networks operating within law enforcement structures
- Failures within the criminal justice system
The commission submitted its interim report to the president in December, three months after its first hearing in September 2025.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Gauteng residents, particularly those in Ekurhuleni, the resumption of hearings represents a continuation of efforts to address alleged corruption and criminal infiltration within policing structures that directly affect community safety.
The inquiry’s findings could shape future reforms in law enforcement oversight, accountability mechanisms, and witness protection, all of which have direct implications for public trust and service delivery in the province
Heightened Security Remains a Key Issue
The recent sequence of events has placed renewed focus on witness protection.
Commission officials have not publicly detailed additional security measures, but previous assurances from the national government indicated that safety protocols would be reviewed and strengthened where necessary.
Timeline of Key Developments
- September 2025: First Madlanga Commission hearing
- November 2025: Witness testimony implicates multiple individuals
- December 2025: Interim report submitted to the president
- February 2026: Hearings resume amid security concerns
- March 2026: Postponed testimony scheduled to continue
FAQ: Madlanga Commission of Inquiry
What is the Madlanga Commission investigating?
It is probing allegations of corruption, criminality, and political interference in policing and the justice system.
Why was testimony postponed?
Some witnesses requested additional time to prepare legal responses to the evidence.
Is witness safety a concern?
Yes. Recent events have highlighted risks faced by individuals linked to the inquiry.
When will the commission conclude its work?
No final date has been announced. Phase two is currently underway.
Will the findings affect Gauteng specifically?
Yes. Several allegations relate directly to Ekurhuleni and provincial law enforcement structures.
What Happens Next
The commission is expected to hear testimony from a dozen additional witnesses over the coming months as phase two continues. Further updates will depend on court decisions, witness availability, and security assessments.
The final report is anticipated to inform potential criminal referrals, disciplinary action, and broader reforms within South Africa’s policing and justice systems.
