Madlanga Commission to Resume Behind Closed Doors with Khumalo Not Testifying
Madlanga Commission is set to continue behind closed doors. (Crime Watch RSA)
by Mathipa Phishego
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System of South Africa is set to resume its hearings on Monday, October 13 2025, but the public will be shut out of the proceedings at least for now.
In an official statement released on Friday, the Commission confirmed that, due to the sensitive nature of the evidence to be presented, its evidence leaders will apply for the hearings to be conducted in camera meaning behind closed doors, with no access for media or members of the public.
“If the Commission grants the application, the hearings will proceed in camera until further notice,” the statement read.
The move has already sparked interest and speculation, as the Commission has previously heard explosive testimony implicating senior officials in alleged acts of interference and corruption within South Africa’s law enforcement and judicial institutions.
To avoid speculation, the Commission clarified that Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo will not be testifying during this period. His name had been widely circulated in connection with key aspects of the inquiry, but his appearance will not form part of the closed-door proceedings beginning next week.
The Commission, chaired by Justice Mandisa Madlanga, was established to investigate claims of criminal capture and political manipulation in critical parts of the justice system, including the police, prosecution authority, and intelligence agencies.
While the decision to potentially hold private hearings is permitted under the Commission’s rules especially where witness safety, national security, or highly classified material is concerned it has prompted calls from civil society groups for continued transparency.
The move is not unusual but acknowledge that public interest will remain high, particularly as the Commission enters what appears to be a sensitive phase of its investigation. The Commission has not yet indicated when open hearings will resume.