The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into alleged political interference and criminality in the criminal justice system has been forced to grind to a halt this week after its star witness, attempted murder accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, failed to take the stand.
The Commission confirmed on Wednesday that there will be no public sitting, after Matlala’s much-anticipated testimony was postponed to 14 December 2026, effectively cancelling two days of crucial hearings.
Matlala, a controversial tenderpreneur with alleged links to senior police officials and politicians, was expected to shed light on claims of political protection and procurement corruption within the South African Police Service.
His absence has left a gaping hole in the commission’s second phase of its work.
Evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson told the commission that Matlala could be recalled earlier if his parallel criminal trial allows for a window.
“Matlala could be recalled sooner if developments in his criminal trial create an available hearing window and sufficient notice can be given,” Chaskalson said.
But the postponement has exposed serious administrative cracks within the commission itself.
Commission Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga did not mince his words, openly criticising his own legal team for the late service of the subpoena on Matlala.
Matlala was only served on 25 September, just days before he was due to testify.
“I know, Chaskalson, that you are standing in and that it’s not your matter, but it is unacceptable that Mr Matlala was only subpoenaed on the 25th,” Madlanga said.
The rebuke is a rare public show of frustration from the usually measured retired Constitutional Court justice and raises questions about whether the commission is managing its tight deadlines efficiently.
Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirmed there would also be no sitting on Friday.
Michaels said the commission will now pivot away from the public glare.
“Starting the week of 5 October, the commission will hold in-camera hearings to hear evidence deemed unsuitable for public airing because of ongoing investigations and the confidential nature of the material,” Michaels said.
He said a two-day seminar will be held in October to help commissioners prepare for drafting the final report.
The commission is racing against time to conclude Phase Two, which includes the explosive testimony of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, before it moves to Phase Three, which will see KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi return to the stand.
Mkhwanazi is the man whose bombshell press conference in July last year triggered the establishment of the commission by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
According to Michaels, public hearings are only expected to resume on 9 November 2026, after the local government elections scheduled for 4 November.
“The commission will, throughout December 2026 and January 2027, focus on the final report, which is due to be submitted to President Cyril Ramaphosa on 25 January 2027,” Michaels added.
He further confirmed that the commission’s hotline for new submissions has now been shut down, although it will continue to receive information directly linked to matters already under investigation.
