The Madlanga Commission has once again made headlines after proceedings were temporarily halted this week. The pause came when Crime Intelligence head, Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, fell ill during testimony. This development has raised fresh questions about delays and disruptions in a commission already under close national scrutiny.
What is the Madlanga Commission?
President Cyril Ramaphosa established the commission in July 2025 to investigate criminality, political interference, and corruption in the justice system. Retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga chairs the inquiry.
The commission’s mandate follows explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. He claimed that organised crime cartels and political figures had infiltrated the police and intelligence services.
You can read more about organised crime links in our report: Madlanga Commission Hears KT Molefe & ‘Cat’ Matlala Linked to ‘Big 5’ Cartel.
Madlanga Commission Pauses After Khumalo Falls Ill
Hearings paused on 1 October when Khumalo suddenly reported feeling unwell while testifying. Justice Madlanga confirmed the adjournment:
“The witness … is not feeling well,” he announced, before proceedings were suspended .
This was Khumalo’s first appearance at the commission. He was expected to testify about operational and administrative challenges within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Khumalo’s Testimony and Its Significance
Khumalo’s evidence is critical. As head of Crime Intelligence and the Political Killings Task Team, he has insights into the state’s response to organised crime.
His testimony is also controversial. Earlier this year, Khumalo was arrested on fraud and corruption charges. Mkhwanazi, however, argued that the arrest was politically motivated. He told the commission:
“When General Khumalo was arrested … this project must stop … because the people are arrested”.
Observers believe his testimony could either strengthen or weaken public trust in the commission’s findings.
Commission Challenges and Early Delays
This is not the first disruption. The commission faced a late start due to ICT procurement failures. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi admitted that weak systems caused the delays. She insisted:
“The delay is caused by ICT procurement … Everything else is done”.
Officials have since taken disciplinary steps against department staff involved in the delays.
For more on the latest revelations, check out our article: Madlanga Commission: Khumalo Unveils Shocking Chats Between Matlala and Mogotsi.
Limits of the Commission’s Power
While the inquiry can gather evidence and make recommendations, its findings are not legally binding. Advocate Matthew Chaskalson, the commission’s evidence leader, clarified:
“Our recommendations don’t bind the president; it doesn’t bind the people in respect of whom we make those recommendations” .
This means President Ramaphosa will ultimately decide whether to implement the recommendations. Civil society groups fear this could weaken accountability.
Political Pushback and Legal Challenges
The inquiry has already faced political resistance. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), backed by former President Jacob Zuma, sought to interdict the commission before hearings began. Their urgent application failed at the Pretoria High Court.
MKP also called for suspending the commission pending legal review, but this move was dismissed by government officials.
What Happens Next?
The Madlanga Commission is expected to resume once Khumalo recovers. His testimony will be closely watched, given its potential to expose weaknesses in SAPS leadership and uncover links between politics and crime.
Analysts caution, however, that ongoing disruptions could erode public confidence. For the inquiry to succeed, it must move past delays and deliver credible findings.
Discover the details of the investigation in our article: R2bn Mafia-Style Looting Exposed in Tembisa Hospital Investigation.
The temporary pause caused by Khumalo falling ill highlights the fragility of the Madlanga Commission process. With national attention fixed on the inquiry, every disruption fuels debate about its effectiveness.
The commission remains one of South Africa’s most important accountability mechanisms. Yet its success depends not only on testimony but also on whether its final recommendations are implemented by the government.
