The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into alleged criminal capture of South Africa’s criminal-justice and security institutions is entering its final stretch, with a report due to President Cyril Ramaphosa on 16 November 2026.
Chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, the commission was established after KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi publicly alleged in July 2025 that organised crime had compromised the South African Police Service, the National Prosecuting Authority, the State Security Agency and related bodies.
Commission evidence has detailed senior SAPS officials’ alleged links to syndicates, manipulation of investigations and tenders (including the SAPS Medicare24 health-services contract), extortion and the disbandment of specialised teams. An IOL analysis published on 18 October noted that while significant progress has been made, a growing list of key witnesses have refused to testify or have been advised to leave the country.
On 15 October businessman Suleiman Carrim was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport as he tried to board an international flight. The commission had earlier laid criminal charges against him. Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels welcomed the arrest, saying it should send a message to witnesses who do not take the inquiry seriously.
The commission has ordered some evidence, including that of a witness identified only as Witness S, to be heard in camera. Public hearings are scheduled to resume after the 4 November local-government elections.
Mkhwanazi’s original claims and subsequent testimony have already produced suspensions and at least one ordered criminal investigation before the final report. Commentators have contrasted the pace with the slower follow-through from the earlier Zondo State Capture Commission.
All persons named remain presumed innocent unless convicted by a competent court.
