The long-awaited Mandlanga Commission of Inquiry begins its public hearings in Pretoria on Wednesday morning, and KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi will be the first to testify.
Security increased ahead of Mkhwanazi’s appearance
Mkhwanazi made headlines in July 2025 when he alleged that a sophisticated criminal syndicate had infiltrated law enforcement, intelligence, and even the judiciary.
He also claimed that senior officials, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, were interfering with police operations and had links to criminal networks.
Because of the explosive nature of these allegations, the commission’s work is considered extremely sensitive. Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirmed that strict security measures are in place:
“There is very tight security in place and, given the serious allegations of corruption and infiltration, we are treating this as an absolute priority.”
The police have increased visibility not only at the venue but also in the surrounding precinct to ensure the safety of witnesses and officials.
What is the Mandlanga Commission about?
The Mandlanga Commission was formally appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2025.
Chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, the commission also includes senior advocates Sesi Baloyi SC and Sandile Khumalo SC as members.
The inquiry is tasked with investigating whether criminal syndicates, such as drug cartels, have infiltrated state institutions including:
- The South African Police Service (SAPS), especially Crime Intelligence,
- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA),
- The State Security Agency (SSA),
- Correctional Services, and
- Even the judiciary .
It will also examine whether senior officials benefited financially or politically from such infiltration, and whether oversight mechanisms failed.
The commission must deliver an interim report within three months and a final report within six months.
These findings could lead to criminal prosecutions, suspensions of implicated officials, or reforms to close gaps in the criminal justice system.
How to watch Mandlanga Commission live in South Africa
South Africans will be able to follow the hearings live.
The proceedings will be broadcast on major news channels and streamed on government and judiciary platforms, which will be embedded below.
While most of the hearings will be public, the commission reserves the right to hold in-camera sessions (private hearings) if sensitive intelligence or witness safety is at stake.
The first sessions, beginning Wednesday, are expected to run into next week, with Mkhwanazi providing detailed testimony on his claims.