Madlanga Commission to resume, this high-profile witness will be testifying

Public hearings are set to resume Monday at the Madlanga Judicial Commission, which is investigating allegations of criminality, corruption, and political interference within the South African police and criminal justice system. The commission, which delivered an interim report to President Cyril Ramaphosa on December 17th, will continue its inquiry with a focus on issues raised during previous testimony.

Interim Report

The interim report was submitted to President Ramaphosa three months after the commission’s initial hearings began on September 17th. A dozen witnesses are expected to testify in the coming months as phase two of the commission’s work gets underway.

Serious Allegations

Individuals implicated in wrongdoing will be given the opportunity to respond to allegations brought forth by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and other witnesses who provided corroborating evidence last year.

New Witnesses

Proceedings will begin at 9:30am Monday with new witnesses taking the stand. On Tuesday, KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona is scheduled to appear before the Commission, following an order issued by Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga on November 26, 2025. Dozens of witnesses are expected to appear in the coming months, though specific details of the program will be released as security concerns dictate, according to Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels.

Did You Know? The Commission has a deadline of March 17, 2026, to complete its work.

High-Profile Witness

Since the Commission began, approximately 37 witnesses have testified, with nine participating in phase two. An additional 28 individuals have approached the Commission directly. Major-General Lesetja Senona is among the high-profile witnesses scheduled to appear during the second phase, following testimony from Witness X alleging a close relationship between Senona and tender tycoon Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his son, Thato Senona.

Witness X indicated that Matlala may have been facilitating or potentially purchasing a property for Thato, and messages showed Matlala requesting Thato’s Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) documents in connection with a potential purchase.

Expert Insight: The focus on the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) and allegations of political interference suggests a critical examination of the structures and processes designed to address sensitive and potentially destabilizing crimes. The Commission’s work could lead to significant changes in how these issues are handled.

The Commission’s work follows testimony in December 2025 from Police Minister Senzo Mchunu regarding the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Madlanga Judicial Commission investigating?

The Madlanga Judicial Commission is probing allegations of criminality, corruption, and political interference in the police and criminal justice system.

When was the interim report delivered to President Ramaphosa?

The interim report was delivered to President Cyril Ramaphosa on December 17th.

Who is scheduled to testify on Tuesday?

KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona is scheduled to appear before the Commission on Tuesday.

As the Commission continues its inquiry, will the findings lead to systemic changes within the South African police and criminal justice system?