By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, commonly known as the Madlanga Commission marks one year since the first hearings after it was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Its establishment came after KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, made a series of serious allegations about an alleged criminal syndicate that has spread influence into law enforcement agencies, the NPA and intelligence services.
110 witnesses have given testimony since the first hearings including law enforcement officers, Investigating Directorate Against Corruption and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) officials, experts, Members of Parliament and private individuals.
The commission paid tribute to Marius van der Merwe, who testified as Witness D and was assassinated on 5 December 2025 in front of his family. The commission described his death as a reminder of the dangers faced by people who provide evidence.
Makgothi Thobakgale, the National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services has taken the stand this morning.
Thobakgale tells the commission that former Minister of Tourism Lindiwe Sisulu and Reverend Allan Boesak were denied visitation access to former Northern Cape Premier John Block.
He clarified that while he did not authorise the visit, the decision did not constitute political interference.
Watch Live in the video below:
Video Courtesy of SABC.