The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System has confirmed that its hearings will officially commence on 1 September 2025 in Pretoria.

The commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa following allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in July.

Mkhwanazi alleged that corruption, collusion and political interference were undermining the work of law enforcement and the broader justice system.

After considering several options in Gauteng, the commission has chosen the Bridgette Mabandla Justice College in central Pretoria as its base. The venue will serve both as the commission’s offices and the site for its public hearings.

The facility has reportedly also been made available to the commission free of charge, a move welcomed as a cost-saving measure given the commission’s projected budget of nearly R148 million over the next six months.

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, which is assisting with logistical requirements, is working to ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place before the hearings begin.

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is also attending to venue alterations to make it fit for purpose.

Commission spokesperson Jeremy Micheals confirmed that the first hearing is expected to be open to the public, underscoring the importance of transparency in the inquiry’s work.

However, members of the public are advised that the commission’s offices are not yet open for submissions. Further announcements will be made in due course regarding how individuals and organisations may contribute evidence or testimony to the inquiry.

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