'Secret' Madlanga report lands on Ramaphosa’s desk as pressure mounts for prosecutions
The presidency has confirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the interim report from Madlanga Commission.
Image: IOL Graphics
President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the long-awaited interim report of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, his office confirmed the commission formally handed the report to Ramaphosa on Wednesday.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the president would study the interim findings while the commission goes into recess to prepare for further hearings, including testimony from new witnesses and individuals who have already appeared.
“Ramaphosa has expressed his appreciation for the interim report as well as his expectation that the Commission will, as part of its terms of reference, refer actions thought to be criminal acts for prosecution,” he said.
However, Magwenya stressed on Monday that the interim report will not be released to the public, underscoring that it does not represent the commission’s final conclusions.
“The report the President will receive is not the one that will be released to the public,” Magwenya said.
“Some of the witnesses will be called back to give further evidence. It would not be helpful to start chewing and debating on something half-baked.”
Only the final report, expected in 2026, will be made public.
The Madlanga Commission was established after KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made serious allegations of corruption and interference, appearing as the inquiry’s first witness.
His testimony set the tone for what has become one of the most closely watched commissions in recent years.
In a statement, the commission said it has so far heard evidence from 37 witnesses.
Twenty-eight testified during the first phase, while nine appeared in the second phase. More witnesses are expected to be called when hearings resume next year.
The inquiry has also been shadowed by violence. The commission condemned the murder of Witness D, Marius van der Merwe, warning that intimidation would not derail its work.
“Van der Merwe’s murder is a reminder of the determination of certain criminal elements who do not want to see accountability and justice take its course.
“The commission will not be intimidated and urges the relevant law enforcement agencies to track down and bring to book all those who seek to undermine the work of the Commission,” it said.
The commission is expected to resume hearings in January 2026, as pressure mounts for accountability and justice.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
IOL Politics