Madlanga Commission Adjourns After Witness Reportedly Fell Sick

Lt-Gen Khumalo reportedly fell sick.

by Mathipa Phishego

Proceedings at the high-stakes Madlanga Commission of Inquiry were abruptly adjourned today after a key witness, Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, failed to appear due to illness.

The commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is probing allegations of political interference, corruption, and collusion within the criminal justice system.

Khumalo, who last week delivered explosive testimony exposing messages allegedly linking a close associate of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to cartel kingpin Vusi “Cat” Matlala, had been scheduled to continue giving evidence. His absence, however, forced proceedings to be postponed.

Commission spokespersons confirmed that the adjournment was granted to allow Khumalo to recover, but assured the public that the testimony would resume once he is medically cleared.

This is not the first disruption in the commission’s schedule. In August, hearings were postponed following procedural disputes and logistical challenges. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi had at the time urged patience, stressing the importance of due process.

The repeated delays have drawn criticism from civil society groups, who fear that adjournments may undermine public confidence in the inquiry.

The Madlanga Commission has already heard dramatic testimony from senior officials, including National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, who revealed he sought President Cyril Ramaphosa’s intervention after Minister Mchunu allegedly disbanded a political killings task team.

The inquiry’s findings are expected to have far-reaching consequences for South Africa’s law enforcement leadership, with potential criminal charges and political fallout looming.

Proceedings are expected to resume later this month, subject to Khumalo’s health. Until then, the spotlight remains on the credibility of the commission and its ability to withstand political pressure while pursuing the truth.