By Marcus Moloko
This announcement has sparked frustration among citizens, clearly apparent on social media, civil society, and political commentators who argue that the public has a constitutional right to access information of national importance.
The Presidency said the interim report would not be released publicly as the premature disclosure could compromise ongoing investigations.
The anticipated report will likely highlight:
· Prima facie evidence of sophisticated criminal syndicates infiltrating the South African Police Service (SAPS), particularly in Crime Intelligence divisions and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).
· Findings on potential undue interference by members of the National Executive or senior government officials in operational policing matters, including scrutiny of the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) as a possible act of political interference aimed at suppressing investigations into politically sensitive killings.
· The state’s inadequate protection of whistleblowers and witnesses.
Beyond this, the interim report is expected to address institutional weaknesses within the South African Police Service (SAPS), including significant backlogs in ballistics and forensic analysis, as well as systemic fragility and operational challenges in core divisions.
It may also identify specific senior officials, police generals, political figures, and members of the judiciary against whom there is sufficient prima facie evidence of aiding, abetting, or benefiting from criminal activity.
The Madlanga Commission was established by Ramaphosa in July 2025 following explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
At a press conference, Mkhwanazi alleged systemic corruption, political interference, and collusion between alleged underworld figures and senior police officials, politicians, prosecutors, and elements of the judiciary.
Central to his claims was the controversial disbandment of the PKTT by suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on 31 December 2024.
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