President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the deadline for the final report of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System to Monday, 25 January 2027, the third and reportedly final extension of the deadline.
The Presidency said in a statement the extension will allow the commission to process additional evidence, including testimony from various experts who have made recommendations relating to the commission’s terms of reference.
The president expressed appreciation for the work conducted by the commission and the manner in which law enforcement agencies are following up testimony emerging from commission hearings.
The commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, commenced proceedings on 17 September 2025, precisely one year ago. It was initially scheduled to begin public hearings on 1 September 2025 but was delayed by procurement challenges within the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
ALSO READ: One year later: Madlanga Commission tightens the net on criminal justice
The department’s director-general, Advocate Doc Mashabane, and deputy director-general for ICT, Jabu Hlatshwayo, were placed on immediate suspension pending investigation into the administrative and procurement failures that caused the delay.
In the 12 months since, the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has held 174 days of hearings and heard testimony from 110 witnesses. It has triggered dozens of arrests, toppled senior police officials and laid bare allegations of extrajudicial killings, missing narcotics, and tender corruption.
After a brief recess from 3 to 11 September 2026, the commission resumed hearings on 15 September 2026. Public evidence is scheduled to conclude on 2 October 2026, after which the focus is expected to shift to the Johannesburg Metro Police Department.
The commission was originally due to conclude on 31 July 2026, with a final report due on 31 August 2026. President Ramaphosa extended the deadline to 16 November 2026, which has now been extended to January 2027.
