Madlanga Commission to Resume on Monday Amid Speculation Over Lt-Gen Khumalo’s Sudden Illness and Push for Closed Hearings
Pretoria – The Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry into criminality, political interference, and corruption in South Africa’s criminal justice system is set to pick up again on Monday, 13 October 2025, after a week’s pause. This break came after Crime Intelligence head Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo fell ill just as he was due to wrap up his testimony. Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has assured that Khumalo got top medical care and is now in good spirits, but the timing has sparked whispers of foul play, with SAPS launching a probe into what caused his sudden sickness.
Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirmed the restart, but added that evidence leaders will ask for the next sessions to go behind closed doors due to touchy details. If approved, this means no media or public in the room until told otherwise, though the commission promises to stay true to openness where possible.
This twist has raised eyebrows, especially since Khumalo’s evidence was digging into deep issues like political meddling and shady networks in law enforcement. With public faith in the police already low, many hope the inquiry keeps pushing for truth, even if some parts stay private for safety reasons.
Background to the Madlanga Commission and Its Focus
The Madlanga Commission, led by retired Constitutional Court Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga, kicked off to look into claims of political killings, taxi violence, and graft within KwaZulu-Natal’s policing setup. It aims to uncover how corruption and outside influences have weakened the system, hoping to rebuild trust in cops and courts. Hearings have heard from key figures, including police bosses, with a spotlight on how syndicates and politics mix to harm justice.
Khumalo, as head of Crime Intelligence, was a star witness. He started testifying on sensitive stuff like WhatsApp chats tied to alleged cartel members and corruption rings. His input was key to linking dots on how crime bosses might pull strings in police ops, including leaks and interference in big cases.
The commission has already exposed worrying trends, like guns from police stocks ending up with gangs, and claims of high-ups shielding crooks. It is all about fixing these holes to make law enforcement stronger and fairer for everyday South Africans.
Khumalo’s Sudden Illness and the Week’s Break
Khumalo showed up at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria on 1 October 2025, ready to finish his evidence. But soon after getting there, he started feeling off and had to leave. His lawyer told the commission he was not well enough to go on, leading to an early wrap for the day.
Police quickly stepped in, with Masemola saying Khumalo got the best care and was upbeat while recovering. But the suddenness – Khumalo seemed fine the day before, even joking around – has led to talk of something fishy. Some wonder if it was stress from the hot seat or worse, like being poisoned to shut him up.
SAPS has opened a case to check what caused the illness, looking at if it was natural or done on purpose. Medical folks say high-pressure spots like this can trigger health woes, but the timing has fuelled guesses. Khumalo spent a short time in hospital and is now resting at home, with no clear word on when he will be back to testify.
This break pushed hearings from 6 to 10 October, giving time for Khumalo to get better and for the team to regroup.
Resumption Plans and Bid for In-Camera Sessions
Michaels confirmed on Thursday that things kick off again on 13 October. But there is a catch: evidence leaders want the next bit in private, or “in camera,” because the info is too sensitive for open air. “In view of the nature of the evidence to be presented when the hearings resume, the evidence leaders will apply for the hearings to be conducted in camera, in a closed session at which the media and members of the public will not be allowed,” he said.
If Judge Madlanga says yes, the public and press stay out until told otherwise. The commission swears it is still all about being open and accountable. “The Commission remains committed to the principles of transparency and accountability. Should circumstances permit a change in the mode of hearing, the media and the public will be informed accordingly,” Michaels added.
This move makes sense for protecting witnesses and secrets, but it might worry folks who want full openness in such big probes.
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