Madlanga Commission: South Africans react as top officials testify on corruption and interference

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has quickly become the focus of national debate, with South Africans closely following its hearings into alleged criminality and corruption within the justice system. Chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, the commission was formally announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2025 after explosive claims by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi first raised the alarm in July, accusing then, Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu of political interference in ongoing investigations, including cases handled by the SAPS Political Killings Task Team. His statements triggered calls for accountability and ultimately led to the establishment of the inquiry.

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The hearings began on 17 September 2025 with Mkhwanazi himself taking the stand. He outlined his allegations and handed over documents, communications, and reports as evidence to support his claims of collusion between politicians, senior police, prosecutors, intelligence operatives, and elements of the judiciary.

@madlangacommisionupdates #madlangacommission #katmatlala #ramaphosa #southafrica ♬ original sound - madlangacommisionupdates

A few days later, on 22 September, National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola gave testimony in Pretoria. His appearance placed further scrutiny on the leadership of the police service and its ability to remain independent from political pressure.

The commission took a more dramatic turn on 29 September, when Crime Intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo described a powerful organized crime network dubbed the “Big Five.” He alleged that this syndicate, operating largely out of Gauteng, has influence across multiple sectors, from drug trafficking and hijackings to tender fraud and contract killings.

Public reaction to the proceedings has been sharp and divided. Many South Africans view the inquiry as an essential test of the country’s democratic institutions and a chance to confront entrenched corruption. Others remain wary, pointing to the mixed track record of previous commissions in delivering concrete reform.

As more witnesses are expected to testify, the Madlanga Commission continues to hold the nation’s attention, raising difficult questions about trust, accountability, and the future of South Africa’s justice system.

South Africans are weighing in on X and Tik Tok about the Madlanga commission

@motso_abie0 Ramaphosa and Mchunu have have some answering to do. #madlangacommission #news #Mkhwanazi #sama28 #southafrica ♬ original sound - Kgomotso Modise

Let us be honest, Madlanga looks like someone who already have an outcome, Masemola doesn't know anything about being a National Commissioner, he is really exposing himself, Give General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that position nd we will be safe as country. #MadlangaCommission pic.twitter.com/uQUXdoleLm
— k2 (@TalkLessers) September 22, 2025

Dear General Mkhwanazi,

Trust no one in that #MadlangaCommission. No one is your friend. Treat all of them as suspects and criminals.
Don't eat anything from there.
Bring your own food.
Bring your own water.

South Africa 🇿🇦thanks you. pic.twitter.com/UZWdeRFnKH
— Sol (@Thabis0_012) September 17, 2025

Been catching up on #MadlangaCommission and all I can say is; this country needs inhumane repercussions for corruption, like lethal injection or something😤

— Lesego (@_les__) October 1, 2025

@simphiwepetros The Madlanga commission was adjourned early today due to Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo falling ill after arriving to continue his testimony. 🤔 #satiktok🇿🇦 #madlangacommission #dumisanikhumalo #nathimthethwa #simphiwepetros ♬ original sound - Simphiwe Petros

The longer I watch this commission the more I chuckle, these people were furious with Mkhwanazi for going on air for a briefing that didn’t even last an hour. Now they have given him his own “podcast” and YouTube channel for the next 6 months. #MadlangaCommission pic.twitter.com/1XQXjoLW7Y
— Somila - Be Still (@Qlyv_Mydear) September 17, 2025

After General Mkhwanazi explained the workings of PKTT, I'm convinced we need an Illegal Immigration Task Team to deal with this👇

You'll be shocked to see how many politicians are involved

Julius Malema Tembisa Hospital General Khumalo Cat Matlala #MadlangaCommission Maumela pic.twitter.com/lvjQgaF8Gd
— Brandon (@Umalumewabantu) September 29, 2025

General Khumalo played it smart at the Commission: he says he will give partial evidence, holding back details still under investigation. That’s not avoidance, it’s strategy. protect ongoing cases, preserve intelligence, and keep suspects guessing. 🙌🏽#MadlangaCommision pic.twitter.com/kSDh92mryW

— MamaWinnie𓋹M23 (@Mokone_Dimphoo) September 29, 2025

Distractions are part of PsyOps. It is orchestrated by people who literally control your media, judiciary, law enforcement etc

Today, its focus on Julius Malema [7 years of court appearances for the same case] while they water-down and manage the Madlanga Commission revelations… pic.twitter.com/9hXOSfI7d0
— Evaluator. (@_AfricanSoil) October 1, 2025