President Cyril Ramaphosa has granted the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry a final extension to complete its work and submit its final report. The Commission will now have until 25 January 2027 to report to the President. This extension allows the Commission to thoroughly investigate allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption within South Africa's criminal justice system.
The Madlanga Commission was established in July 2025 following allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi concerning criminality, political interference, and corruption within the criminal justice system. The Commission has already submitted two interim reports to Ramaphosa, with the first handed over in December 2025 and the second in May 2026. These reports included recommendations and referrals for further investigation and action.
The latest extension moves the deadline by more than two months from the previous 16 November 2026 deadline. The Commission was originally expected to complete its work and submit its final report by 31 August 2026. In July, Ramaphosa extended the deadline to 16 November, with the Commission citing the need for additional time to conclude matters that had emerged during its hearings.
The Presidency said the latest extension would allow the Commission to process additional evidence, including testimony from experts who have made recommendations relating to its terms of reference. This will enable the Commission to properly investigate all allegations and provide a comprehensive report. The extension is intended to give the Commission sufficient time to finalize its report.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya stated that the extension was necessary to allow the Commission to thoroughly process the additional evidence before finalizing its report. The Commission has been working diligently to conclude its investigations, and the additional time will ensure that its findings are thorough and accurate.
The Madlanga Commission's work has been significant, with the Commission gathering evidence and hearing testimony from various individuals. The Commission's interim reports have already led to recommendations and referrals for further investigation and action. The final report is expected to provide a comprehensive overview of the allegations and provide recommendations for future action.
President Ramaphosa expressed his appreciation for the work conducted by the Commission and the manner in which law enforcement agencies are following up on testimony emerging from Commission hearings. The final deadline for the submission of the Commission's report is 25 January 2027, and the Presidency has confirmed that this will be the last extension granted.
Key points
- The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has been granted a final extension until 25 January 2027 to submit its report.
- The Commission is investigating allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption within South Africa's criminal justice system.
- The Commission has already submitted two interim reports to President Ramaphosa, with recommendations and referrals for further investigation and action.
