The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System — widely known as the Madlanga Commission — has clarified that it does not carry out arrests arising from its proceedings, stressing that such actions are the responsibility of the South African Police Service.
Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said the inquiry was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Michaels explained that confusion had arisen following media reports suggesting that a “Madlanga Task Team” was responsible for recent arrests linked to the commission’s work.
“The commission is making this clarification because, recently, there have been media reports to the effect that the ‘Madlanga Task Team’ or ‘Madlanga Commission Task Team’ has arrested certain people,” he said.
He warned that such reports could create the misleading impression that the commission itself — chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga — is directly involved in arrests.
“The truth is that it is a SAPS task team that has been arresting people. Justice Madlanga is concerned by this possible perception, not least because the function of arresting people is at odds with the judicial function,” Michaels added.
The task team in question was established by National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola to investigate matters arising from the commission’s first interim report.
Following engagements between the commission and SAPS, police have agreed to rename the task team to avoid further confusion. SAPS is expected to issue additional communication on the matter.
Meanwhile, the commission’s public hearings continue at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College, where the City of Tshwane’s Chief Financial Officer, Gareth Mnisi, is currently testifying.
