Malema demands Madlanga report release, slams Didiza’s subpoena refusal

EFF leader Julius Malema has called for the immediate release of the Madlanga Commission’s interim report while accusing National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza of political protection over her refusal to subpoena North West businessman Brown Mogotsi and forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan.

Malema made the remarks on Wednesday in Johannesburg during a media briefing on the outcomes of the party’s weekend meeting.

He also expressed concern that the interim report of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has not been made public and that some individuals implicated in the report have not yet been fully heard.

“This raises serious questions about transparency, accountability and adherence to the law of natural justice,” Malema said.

The Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System was established last year by President Cyril Ramaphosa following allegations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that a sophisticated criminal syndicate had infiltrated South Africa’s criminal justice system.

The commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga and assisted by Advocates Sesi Baloyi SC and Sandile Khumalo SC, submitted its interim report to the president on December 17, 2025 in line with agreed timelines.

In the report, the commission made several referrals for urgent further investigation by law enforcement agencies, including criminal investigations. 

It also recommended disciplinary action in some cases against individuals alleged to have been involved in wrongdoing, including corruption and criminal acts.

The referrals include the following South African Police Service officials:

-Major General Lesetja Senona

-Major General Richard Shibiri

-Brigadier Mbangwa Nkhwashu

-Brigadier Rachel Matjeng

-Sergeant Fannie Nkosi

The commission also found prima facie evidence of wrongdoing involving the following current and former Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality employees:

-Suspended EMPD chief of police commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi

-EMPD officer Bafana Twala

-EMPD officer Aiden McKenzie

-EMPD officer Kershia Leigh Stols

-Former EMM city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi

-EMM fleet manager or proxy Chris Steyn

-EMM head of human resources Linda Gxasheka

-EMM head of legal services Adv Kemi Behari

-Etienne van der Walt

Malema said the EFF is calling for the immediate arrest of KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major General Senona.

“The EFF reiterates its call for the immediate arrest and investigation of Major Gen Lesetja Senona and all others implicated, not as a political move, but in defence of our country and to ensure that no one is above the law, regardless of position,” he said.

The party also demanded the publication of the Madlanga Commission’s interim report.

“We call for the full publication of the interim report so that the public can see the case for themselves and engage meaningfully in the fight against corruption and criminality,” Malema said.

He further criticised what he described as the continued erosion of Parliament’s authority, following Didiza’s refusal to approve subpoenas for Mogotsi and O’Sullivan, despite a formal request from Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating allegations raised by Mkhwanazi.

“This refusal represents a dangerous surrender to intimidation, where individuals who openly display contempt for Parliament are effectively shielded from accountability through unverified claims of security threats,” Malema said.

“We reject the logic that Parliament, as the highest expression of the will of the people, can be held hostage by witnesses who make extraordinary demands for special treatment when existing safety mechanisms have thus far been adequate.”

Malema said the EFF was disturbed that the Speaker prioritised claims of personal risk over her constitutional duty to uphold Parliament’s authority and oversight powers.

“Accepting such claims without verified intelligence, formal risk assessments or security briefings sets a reckless precedent in which powerful and well-connected individuals can evade scrutiny simply by invoking fear,” he said.

He said that Mogotsi had previously appeared before formal state processes, including the Madlanga Commission, without any recorded security incidents.

Malema also accused O’Sullivan of intimidation, saying he had previously sent threatening messages to witnesses and had publicly discussed these matters without displaying fear of retaliation.

“The sudden emergence of alleged threats at the precise moment they are required to account before Parliament raises legitimate questions about the credibility of these claims and the motivations behind them,” Malema said.

“It becomes evident that the Speaker’s refusal to authorise subpoenas amounts to political protection.”

Malema further alleged that O’Sullivan has a close relationship with President Ramaphosa, while Mogotsi has claimed to have a close relationship with the suspended minister of police.

“Hence the protection we are seeing today, because they will expose politicians involved in wrongdoing,” he said.

This comes after Didiza said she was disinclined to authorise subpoenas for Mogotsi and O’Sullivan, over serious security concerns raised by both men. 

O’Sullivan, who is currently abroad, said he had received credible death threats and requested to testify virtually, while Mogotsi asked Parliament to provide personal security if he were required to appear in person. 

Didiza said the ad hoc committee had not shown that it had adequately engaged with these concerns or conducted formal threat and risk assessments.

She warned that refusing virtual testimony without sound justification could expose Parliament to legal challenge.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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