President Cyril Ramaphosa has granted the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry a final reporting deadline of 25 January 2027. Announced by the Presidency on September 19, 2026, the extension gives the corruption inquiry additional time to process expert testimony and close out its investigation into South Africa’s criminal justice system.
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry received a final deadline extension, pushing its final report submission date to 25 January 2027. The Presidency announced the decision on Saturday, September 19, 2026, noting that the inquiry requires extra time to process additional evidence and expert testimony.
The judicial commission was established in July 2025 by President Cyril Ramaphosa following serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi concerning criminal infiltration, corruption, and political interference within South Africa’s law enforcement and justice networks. Retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga chairs the inquiry, which examines law enforcement agencies, prosecution services, the judiciary, and correctional services.
Third and Final Extension Alters Timeline for Final Report
Originally slated to finish public hearings on 31 July 2026 with a final report due on 31 August 2026, the commission has faced subsequent timeline shifts. In July, President Ramaphosa moved the final report deadline to 16 November 2026, setting an evidence gathering cutoff for 2 October 2026. The latest directive extends that schedule further to 25 January 2027.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya noted that the additional months will ensure the inquiry can thoroughly evaluate all material gathered during its proceedings.
Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels welcomed the adjustment, confirming that the inquiry will use the window to finalize remaining witness appearances and complete drafting responsibilities.
Evidence of Serious Criminality Within the Justice System
As the commission marked its one-year milestone following the commencement of proceedings on 17 September 2025, Chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga addressed the inquiry regarding the gravity of the findings uncovered thus far.
“Unfortunately, what is emerging from the evidence is that there are indications of serious criminality within the criminal justice system and that this is the result of the infiltration of, and undue influence on, the criminal justice system by elements of criminality.”
Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, Chairperson, via EWN
Over its 12 months of active operation, the commission has held 174 days of hearings and taken testimony from 110 witnesses. The proceedings have investigated extrajudicial killings, missing narcotics, tender corruption, and allegations of widespread police capture. Following a brief recess between 3 and 11 September 2026, public hearings resumed on 15 September 2026, with recent evidence examining the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and associated criminal networks.
Interim Reports and Police Disciplinary Actions
Before the final report scheduled for January 2027, the commission delivered two interim reports to President Ramaphosa. The first report was submitted in December 2025, followed by a second interim report on 29 May 2026. The initial report named 14 officials for action, while the second report named four.
The second interim report reviewed and confirmed several prior recommendations after implicated individuals appeared to provide testimony. Furthermore, it called for the Office of the Inspector-General for Intelligence to investigate an alleged off-the-books Crime Intelligence operation involving Mogotsi and Witness G.
Earlier referrals from the first report targeted five South African Police Service officials, including Major General Lesetja Senona, who subsequently resigned as KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head, and Major General Richard Shibiri, who was dismissed for misconduct. Additional referrals involved Brigadier Mbangwa Nkhwashu, dismissed Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, and Sergeant Fannie Nkosi.
Law Enforcement Follow-Up and Public Appreciation
The Presidency acknowledged the ongoing collaboration between the commission and law enforcement entities acting on testimony generated during the hearings. President Ramaphosa expressed deep appreciation for both the commission’s rigorous investigative work and the prompt response of law enforcement agencies pursuing leads from the inquiry.
Chairperson Madlanga also recognized the public backing the inquiry has received as it navigates complex institutional corruption. The overwhelming public support for the commission process is not going unnoticed,
Madlanga stated. For that too, we are truly grateful.
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