Madlanga Commission of Inquiry Adjourned As Media Houses Challenge the Order for In-Camera Testimony

• The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry was set to resume its hearings on Monday, 13 October 2025
• An application will be made for the testimony to be heard behind closed doors due to its sensitive nature
• The commission will make a ruling after two media houses challenge the order on 13 October 2025

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

GAUTENG – The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry will not hear testimony as planned on Monday, 13 October 2025. The commission is probing allegations made by Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on 6 July 2025.

Proceedings were due to continue on Monday, 13 October 2025, after a week-long break, with testimony to be heard behind closed doors. Two media houses have now interdicted the order, bringing the planned sitting to a halt.

Read also

Johannesburg High Court’s claim on bail ignites public outrage in KT Molefe case

The hearings are centred on the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner's allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption in the criminal justice system. It is being held at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria.

Which media houses have interdicted the order?

The media houses, News24 and Daily Maverick, have submitted an application to have the witness testimonies heard publicly. The testimonies were to be heard in camera due to the sensitivity of the evidence that would be presented.

A lawyer representing the two media houses will submit an application on their behalf by 1 pm on 13 October. The commission’s legal team, led by evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson, will then submit an application by 5 pm about why the order for an in-camera session should be granted.

By 9 pm, both teams will have to present their heads of argument. Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC will decide whether to hear oral arguments on Tuesday, 14 October, or whether the written applications would suffice. A ruling will then be made.

Read also

SAPS launches investigation into General Dumisani Khumalo's sudden illness

What you need to know about the Madlanga Commission

• Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi accused the Presidency of interfering with investigations.
• The KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner claimed that Vusimuzi Matlala’s cars were registered by the State.
• The police’s Head of Legal Services, General Petronella Van Rooyen, said Mchunu didn’t have the power to disband the task team.
• Masemola accused Mchunu and General Shadrack Sibiya of trying to protect criminal syndicates.
• General Khumalo revealed that five major cartels were operating in the country and infiltrating the criminal justice system.

Proceedings postponed after Crime Intelligence head fell ill

Briefly News reported that Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo was not able to testify at the Madlanga Commission on 1 October 2025.

The Crime Intelligence Head of the South African Police Service (SAPS) was set to continue testimony, but then fell ill before the day's proceedings.

Read also

Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi gives South Africans a chilling warning: “There are gadgets listening to you”

Retired acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga confirmed that the proceedings would be halted while Khumalo received medical treatment.

Source: Briefly News