The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption In The Criminal Justice System, better known as the Madlanga Commission, is commemorating one year of holding government and police officials to account.

17 September 2026 marks a full year since the inquiry into allegations of interference in the criminal justice system began, after Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s explosive briefing in July last year.

“The Commission’s terms of reference required it, amongst others, to investigate whether criminal syndicates, including drug cartels, have infiltrated or exerted undue influence over a range of law enforcement agencies, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the State Security Agency (SSA), the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), and the Judiciary,” said the Commission’s spokesperson Jeremy Micheals.

The Commission noted that it has made significant progress in its investigation since its first hearing on 17 September. The Commission’s spokesperson, Jeremy Micheals, said that the one-year milestone is especially rewarding when noting the real consequences that have come from its investigation.

This includes the arrests of:

• Major-General Feroz Khan and Major-General Ebrahim Kadwa in connection with the unlawful possession of precious metals
• Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and his co-accused, Witness K, for the theft of R14-million in precious metals in Johannesburg
• Suspended police sergeant Fannie Nkosi for the discovery of weapons at his home, following his testimony of his alleged ties to underworld figures

Another arrest linked to the Commission is that of former SAPS Special Task Force member Matipandile Sotheni, who is accused of the contract killing of Marius Van Der Merwe, who testified as Witness D at the Commission. He was assassinated outside his home in Brakpan on 5 December 2025.

With that said, Micheals has also called on South Africans to take a moment to remember van der Merwe.

“The Commission calls on all South Africans to take a moment to remember Marius van der Merwe, who was brutally assassinated in full view of his family on 5 December 2025 after testifying before the Commission as Witness D. We also remember the sacrifices made by countless brave individuals who have come forward to assist the Commission in its work, by offering information and testifying, sometimes at great risk to personal safety,” said Micheals.

Up to 16 September, 110 witnesses have come forward in over 174 days of testimony, including thirty-six SAPS officers, twenty-five Hawks officers, four JMPD officers, eight EMPD officers and City of Ekurhuleni staff, six TMPD officers and City of Tshwane staff, two Gauteng Traffic Department officers, seven IDAC and NPA officials, five IPID officials, two MPs, one Cabinet Minister, eleven private individuals and three experts.

The hearings have generated 26,352 pages of oral testimony and 105,282 pages of documentary evidence across 750 bundles, with necessary redactions. The Commission’s hotline received 1,894 calls and 4,548 public emails, of which 78% and 72%, respectively, fell outside its terms of reference. Around 22 in-camera applications were considered, with 19 granted, while eight hearings were held fully in camera and 11 partially. The Commission was involved in three High Court applications, one of which was dismissed and two withdrawn, and one recusal application against an Evidence Leader was dismissed. On 2 June 2026 (Day 111), the Commission recorded its highest number of witnesses heard in a single day, with five witnesses.

Micheals, on behalf of the Commission, thanked all those involved in the work of the inquiry.

“The Commission would like to thank all those who have made its work possible over the last year, including its staff, security personnel, relevant State institutions, and the media. The Commission is truly appreciative of the support it is getting from the South African public. In the period ahead, the Commission will continue to diligently conduct its inquiry without fear, favour or prejudice.”

In July, President Cyril Ramaphosa granted the Commission an extension to submit its final report. The Commission will continue hearing evidence until Friday, 2 October and will submit its final report on Monday, 16 November.