By Akani Nkuna
The tables and chairs are set at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria, with accreditation for media and high-profile guests finalised, as the nation braces to hear witness after witness testify before the highly anticipated Madlanga Commission.
The commission was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate and “report on the veracity, scope, and extent of the allegations with regard to the infiltration of law enforcement, intelligence and associated institutions within the criminal justice system by criminal syndicates and make findings and recommendations for criminal prosecutions, disciplinary actions and institutional reform.”
This followed revelations by KwaZulu-Natal SAPS Commissioner Lt. General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi during a media briefing, where he alleged that a sophisticated criminal syndicate has infiltrated South Africa’s law enforcement and intelligence structures, undermining the criminal justice system.
He further alleged that senior police officials had interfered with investigations, including the controversial disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team.
The commission is chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, assisted by co-commissioners Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC.
Its legal team is led by Chief Evidence Leader, Advocate Terry Motau SC, supported by Advocates Matthew Chaskalson, Mahlape Sello, Adila Hassim, Lee Segeels-Ncube, Ofentse Mohlasedi, and Thabang Pooe.
Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirmed that Mkhwanazi will be the first witness to appear on Wednesday.
He said that the final report will include actionable recommendations and countered claims that the commission might amount to mere “lip service.”
“The public apprehension is understandable. Given the powers conferred on the Commission, the two interim reports to be submitted to the President within three months, and the final report within six months, will include recommendations and immediate actions based on the Commission’s findings. This clearly indicates the intention to act,” Michaels said.
On the eve of the commission, Mkhwanazi has initiated legal action against forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan, following O’Sullivan’s recent statements alleging that Mkhwanazi is corrupt and runs a hit squad disguised as police officials.
O’Sullivan has been critical of Mkhwanazi since his explosive media address in July, describing the display of guns and Special Task Force combat uniforms as an unnecessary show of power.
Mkhwanazi will be the first witness and is expected to take the stand at 10am on Wednesday morning.
The commission has powers to summon witnesses, compel the production of documents, and conduct search and seizure operations, subject to applicable law.
Meanwhile, the Presidency and the Madlanga Commission have outlined an interim reporting framework; the first report in three months, a further report in six months, and the final report to be submitted to the President, with copies to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice.
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