Every event.
In order.
1 events
Deadline: final report due 16 November 2026
The commission's deadline has been extended twice. In March 2026 the Presidency required a second interim report by 29 May 2026 and the final report by 31 August 2026. In July 2026 the President extended the commission again — to 16 November 2026.
7 events
Eastern Cape water project probe widened
Ramaphosa widens the SIU probe into a multimillion-rand Eastern Cape water project, extending the mandate to the procurement of goods, works and services for the project over a longer period.
Proclamation 329 of 2026 — Mangaung's nine contracts and Gauteng Health
President Ramaphosa signs Proclamation 329 of 2026, initiating an SIU investigation into 'serious maladministration' in nine Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality contracts plus a Gauteng Health tender — part of a wider August wave of proclamations into major state entities.
Two major state entities added — details awaited
The Presidency confirms two new proclamations authorising SIU probes into alleged maladministration, irregular expenditure and procurement corruption in two major state entities. The desk is tracking the gazette for the entity names and will update this event.
New phase: were KZN task teams 'hit squads under the cover of law'?
The commission opens a new phase examining allegations that SAPS task teams in KwaZulu-Natal operated as hit squads under the cover of law enforcement. KZN Ipid deputy director Len John testifies about the 30 May 2024 attempted murder of Durban businessman Thabiso Ngcobo on the M13 highway: 10 officers under Captain Pedro Rodrigues allegedly fired at least 14 rounds at his armoured Fortuner. Ngcobo phoned Mkhwanazi during the shooting and was told to drive to the Pavilion Shopping Centre. Ipid evidence alleges unmarked vehicles with false plates and officers leaving the scene before forensic processing.
Day 158: 'They killed him the next day' — the Morningside shooting
A father tells the commission he went to court to stop the police killing his son — and they killed him the next day. The hearing concerns the 1 April 2023 Morningside shooting in which tow-truck operator Bevan Loftus and four other people were killed, with 27 rounds fired. Retired SAPS captain and firearms expert Ashley Houston testifies that the task team's account — a door ajar, men rising from a couch, a shootout — is 'highly improbable' on the physical evidence, while also describing Loftus as a notorious figure seen with a local gang.
Day 159: the commission lays criminal charges against Carrim
For the first time in its existence, the commission resolves to lay criminal charges against a person summoned to give evidence: businessman Suleiman Carrim, who did not appear on 14 August as ordered and had not submitted to the independent medical examination the ruling required as the only alternative. Justice Madlanga instructs commission secretary Dr Nolitha Vukuza to lay the charges — the commission lays them rather than recommends them, leaving prosecution to the police and NPA. The charge concerns non-compliance with a summons only; the R360-million tender allegations remain untested. Evidence leader Adv Adila Hassim noted a report described a man too unwell to testify who had been seen at Woolworths and Kauai.
Ahead: 10 officers back in the Durban Regional Court
The 10 police officers involved in the 2024 Ngcobo highway shooting — arrested in July 2024 and facing internal disciplinary proceedings — are due back before the Durban Regional Court on 20 August 2026. This desk will update this event as the case proceeds.
13 events
Khan 'helped tobacco firm target competitors' — from hospital
The commission hears allegations that suspended deputy Crime Intelligence head Maj-Gen Feroz Khan used Crime Intelligence resources to help tobacco manufacturer Carnilinx target its competitors. Khan, in hospital, is unable to testify as a key witness; evidence leaders press on without him.
Witness X: the WhatsApp chats between Matlala and Senona
Testimony from a protected witness, 'Witness X', reveals WhatsApp chats alleging a beneficial relationship between Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala and KZN Hawks head Maj-Gen Lesetja Senona — including Senona allegedly sharing confidential police information and discussing a property deal for his son. Due to safety concerns and technical issues, the commission adopts in-camera and remote, off-camera testimony for sensitive witnesses.
One year later: from one briefing to a national inquiry
On the first anniversary of the briefing, eNCA and other outlets measure the distance travelled: a national commission with over 150 sitting days, a suspended Minister, a resigned anti-corruption chief, a murdered witness — and a policing reset still unfolding.
Northern Cape school, Knysna security tender, Chris Hani water contract
The SIU is authorised to investigate the building of a school and a road in the Northern Cape, the Knysna Local Municipality's security tender, and the extension of the Chris Hani District Municipality water treatment contract.
Umzumbe Municipality probe amended — Proclamation 327 of 2026
President Ramaphosa signs Proclamation Notice 327 of 2026, amending Proclamation 183 of 2024, which mandated the SIU to investigate allegations of corruption in the Umzumbe Municipality.
Julius Mkhwanazi arrested for the third time
Suspended Ekurhuleni deputy police chief Julius Mkhwanazi — whose name repeatedly surfaces in commission testimony — is arrested for the third time, appearing in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court in connection with the alleged theft of precious stones worth R14.9-million, having already paid R80,000 in bail across his cases.
Andrea Johnson faces five days of grilling
Former IDAC head Advocate Andrea Johnson appears before the commission. Across five days of questioning she concedes that a coordinated attack on Mkhwanazi and Khumalo 'makes reasonable sense', defends her directorate's HR-related investigations, and concedes that a 2023 PSC report finding Khumalo's appointment lawful should have ended that investigation.
Mkhwanazi's mandate extended beyond KZN
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia announces after the second Police MINMEC of 2026 that Mkhwanazi will lead the National Organised Crime Strategy under the newly endorsed Police Reset Agenda, with 140 high-crime police stations prioritised as first implementation sites. Four new provincial commissioners are to be announced.
Johnson resigns as IDAC head
Advocate Andrea Johnson resigns as head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption. The Mail & Guardian reports she quit to dodge a parliamentary inquiry into her fitness to hold office; the resignation, accepted by President Ramaphosa, does not shield her from further commission questioning. Ethics complaints follow her parliamentary testimony.
NPA provisionally withdraws the Khumalo case
The prosecuting authority provisionally withdraws the case against Crime Intelligence head Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo over the appointment of a civilian — after sixteen days of commission testimony left observers asking what the crime actually was. Khumalo had been arrested at OR Tambo airport in June 2025, roughly six weeks after a complaint was referred to IDAC.
Johnson: coordinated attack 'makes reasonable sense'
In the most-quoted moment of her five-day appearance, Johnson tells the commission that the evidence supports the conclusion of a coordinated attack against Mkhwanazi and Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo. The commission also probes IDAC's investigation into Khumalo's appointment — a matter a 2023 PSC report had already found lawful, and which fell within the Public Service Commission's mandate.
IDAC implodes: suspensions, resignations and a six-month reset
Three senior IDAC investigators are suspended; four of the directorate's own officials testify against its handling of the case; and the commission chair raises the possibility of shutting the directorate down entirely. A six-month reset is ordered. The Daily Maverick separately reports allegations that Johnson advised a witness to flee: 'It's going to be a shitshow.'
Senior IDAC investigator accuses Johnson of misleading Parliament
A senior IDAC investigator accuses the directorate's former head, Andrea Johnson, of presenting false information during her testimony before Parliament's ad hoc committee — the latest blow in a week that saw her hit with ethics complaints and resign.
4 events
Proclamation 316 of 2026 — SIU into PSIRA
President Ramaphosa signs Proclamation 316 of 2026, authorising the SIU to investigate allegations of maladministration, improper or unlawful conduct at the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) — including its training arrangements — and to recover losses. Parliament's Police Committee chairperson welcomes the probe the same day.
Shongwe: R10-million offered to stop the questions
MP and ad hoc committee member Vusi Shongwe tells the committee — and later the Madlanga Commission — that he was offered R10-million during a virtual meeting in Durban with suspended Gauteng Crime Intelligence head Maj-Gen Feroz Khan, after Shongwe questioned Khan's alleged links to illegal cigarette smuggling.
Shongwe's bombshell: the R10m offer, the 'Indian cabal' and the cover-ups
MP Vusi Shongwe testifies that he was offered R10-million during a Durban virtual meeting with suspended Gauteng Crime Intelligence head Maj-Gen Feroz Khan after questioning Khan's alleged links to illegal cigarette smuggling. He details the Aeroton drug bust and alleged cover-ups linked to the deaths of make-up artist Maja Janeska (September 2020) and anaesthesiologist Dr Abhulhay Munshi (December 2022), and names the Carnilinx tobacco owners Mohammadh Sayed and Adriano Mazzotti, describing what he called an 'Indian cabal' in the SAPS running an underground network of influence inside IDAC.
'We are at war' — Mkhwanazi after IDAC aborts arrests
As confusion grows over IDAC's decision to abort the arrest of two senior Crime Intelligence officers — who had allegedly been told to report to the Brooklyn police station in Pretoria, only for no arrests to be carried out — Mkhwanazi declares: 'We are at war.'
2 events
Carrim testifies: the R360-million Medicare24 tender
Businessman Suleiman Carrim gives evidence over two days (9-10 March) about his relationship with Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala after Matlala's company Medicare24 won a R360-million SAPS health services contract in June 2024. Carrim describes deals involving Matlala and Morgan Maumela, and denies receiving kickbacks — saying the money was a return on investment.
12 senior police officers arrested over R360m tender
Twelve senior police officers are arrested in connection with the R360-million police tender awarded to Cat Matlala's Medicare24. They appear in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court. The same day the commission breaks for Easter recess, with investigations continuing.
2 events
Hearings commence at Sci-Bono, Johannesburg
Public hearings of the TRC Cases Inquiry open at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Johannesburg, preceded by a pre-hearing on 4 February 2026 and letters to interested parties.
Zuma and Another v Khampepe and Others
The inquiry records judgment in the matter of Zuma and Another v Khampepe and Others [case 2026-026936], with a letter to the commission secretariat dated 6 February 2026 — the latest turn in the legal contest over the inquiry's conduct.
2 events
Update report: tracking implementation of the recommendations
The SAHRC releases an update report — 'Current Status: Implementation of the Recommendations contained in July's People' — measuring how far the state has moved on the hearing's recommendations.
Recusal ruling against the chairperson
The inquiry hands down a ruling on a recusal application against chairperson Justice Sisi Khampepe, signed on 30 January 2026 — a prelude to the Zuma-led legal challenge that followed.
4 events
Still operating — pending final parliamentary recommendations
As of late 2025 the PKTT remains in full operation after Masemola ordered dockets back to it. The unit's final fate awaits the recommendations of Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee and the Madlanga Commission.
Witness D assassinated in Brakpan
Marius van der Merwe — 'Witness D', a private security company owner who had testified about an alleged 2022 cover-up, torture and murder of a robbery suspect, implicating Mkhwanazi and Matlala — is shot dead outside his home in Brakpan in front of his wife and children by two men allegedly using AK-47s from a Nissan NP200. The killing throws witness safety into crisis.
President pledges protection; Minister blames the media
President Ramaphosa offers condolences to van der Merwe's family and pledges to redouble efforts to protect whistleblowers. DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach echoes the call. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi defends the government's witness protection programme — and blames the South African media for discovering Witness D's identity. Several commission witnesses report receiving death threats.
The commissions of 2025, assessed
The Sunday Independent publishes a deep assessment of South Africa's 2025 commissions of inquiry, noting that more than half a year into the Madlanga Commission's work the Presidency has quietly extended deadlines.
3 events
Media vs secrecy: Daily Maverick and News24 challenge in-camera hearings
Daily Maverick and News24 launch a legal challenge against the commission's application to hold a week of hearings in camera. The commission's evidence leaders argue closed sessions are needed to protect witnesses implicating a criminal cartel; the media houses invoke open justice and argue for case-by-case closure decisions.
'I am wearing General Mkhwanazi' — Mchunu finally speaks
Three months on, Senzo Mchunu appears as the fourth witness before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee. He argues he is finally getting his chance to explain himself: 'From the 6th of July, I am wearing General Mkhwanazi, from the 6th of July I am smelling General Mkhwanazi and this is the first opportunity I am getting to explain myself.'
Mchunu testifies — the fourth witness
Former Police Minister Senzo Mchunu appears before the Ad Hoc Committee and mounts his defence: that the President approved the PKTT decision and that he has waited since 6 July for his chance to explain himself.
5 events
Committee meets evidence leaders; hearings begin
The Ad Hoc Committee meets its evidence leaders on 4 September 2025 ahead of the start of public hearings into Mkhwanazi's allegations. Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi himself later appears before the committee to give oral evidence, correcting earlier testimony and clarifying relationships.
Hearings open — Mkhwanazi takes the stand first
Public hearings commence at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria. Mkhwanazi, the commission's first witness, explains his allegations in full and presents documents, communications and reports to establish their veracity.
Mkhwanazi: the team was closing in on Gauteng syndicates
Testifying at the Madlanga Commission, Mkhwanazi says the PKTT was disbanded at the moment it was closing in on Gauteng-based syndicates, and details that the team had been reduced in size and given a three-month budget for April to June 2025. Later in 2025, National Commissioner Masemola orders dockets back to the unit — the PKTT remains in operation pending final parliamentary recommendations.
Masemola corroborates — the disbandment decision under oath
National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola testifies, focusing on the executive decision to disband the KZN Political Killings Task Team. His submission largely corroborates Mkhwanazi's claims, elevating them from political dispute to accepted fact among senior police leadership.
Khumalo names the 'Big Five' cartel
Crime Intelligence head Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo testifies about a sophisticated organised criminal syndicate dubbed the 'Big Five' — also called 'the Cartel' — based in Gauteng and allegedly involved in drug trafficking, hijackings, tender fraud and contract killings. He produces WhatsApp messages evidencing payments from Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala to Brown Mogotsi. The revelations redefine the commission's focus: state capture by violent criminal networks.
1 events
Committee constituted — Lekganyane elected chairperson
Parliament constitutes the Ad Hoc Committee to Investigate the Allegations made by Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and elects MP Molapi Soviet Lekganyane as chairperson on 5 August 2025. The committee's terms of reference cover the PKTT disbandment, alleged obstruction of investigations, and political interference within SAPS. Its lifespan has since been extended more than once.
7 events
Ad Hoc Committee established with published terms of reference
Parliament establishes the Ad Hoc Committee on the Allegations by General Mkhwanazi with formal terms of reference covering the PKTT disbandment, the alleged obstruction of investigations, and political interference within SAPS.
THE BRIEFING — Mkhwanazi detonates the national crisis
At the SAPS Provincial Headquarters in Durban, flanked by armed Special Task Force members, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi holds an impromptu, hour-long press briefing. He warns of 'collusion between criminals, senior police, prosecutors, intelligence operatives, and elements of the judiciary', describes a 'total collapse' of the justice system if unaddressed, accuses then-Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering in ongoing investigations and of ordering the PKTT's disbandment, and registers a criminal complaint against the Minister. The briefing sends shockwaves through the country's criminal justice system.
Receipts and repercussions — the political reaction begins
The morning after the briefing, Mkhwanazi's allegations put Minister Mchunu in the national spotlight. The chairperson of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, demands answers, and the country's political class begins choosing sides. IOL headlines the story 'Receipts and repercussions'.
Ramaphosa places Mchunu on special leave
One week after the briefing, President Cyril Ramaphosa places Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on special leave following accusations that he colluded with a criminal syndicate and interfered in high-profile investigations. International outlets including Reuters, Al Jazeera and DW cover the suspension.
The President answers with a national commission
The day after the suspension, President Ramaphosa announces a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the allegations by Mkhwanazi — the body that becomes the Madlanga Commission — chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. Terms of reference are gazetted: an interim report within three months, a final report within six.
Commission established and gazetted
President Ramaphosa announces the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. The terms of reference require an interim report within three months and a final report within six months of establishment, subject to extension.
Joint committee report tabled
The Portfolio Committees on Police and Justice and Constitutional Development table a joint report (ATC250722) tracking the allegations of collusion between the judiciary and criminals raised in Mkhwanazi's briefing and the committee's findings to date.
1 events
Parliament opens the Ad Hoc Committee
Parliament establishes the Ad Hoc Committee on the Allegations by General Mkhwanazi to investigate the PKTT disbandment and related claims of corruption, political interference and obstruction within SAPS. Testimonies by police officials, including former National Commissioner Fannie Masemola, suggest the directive's timing and motivation were 'suspicious and questionable'.
1 events
TRC Cases Inquiry announced and gazetted
President Ramaphosa announces the TRC Cases Inquiry to determine whether attempts were made to prevent the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes. Chair: retired ConCourt Justice Sisi Khampepe, assisted by retired Judge President Frans Diale Kgomo and Adv Andrea Gabriel SC. Terms of reference: Government Gazette 52749 (RG 11837, P 264).
2 events
Disbandment sparks public concern — and Mkhwanazi's objection
The Witness reports concern over the disbandment of the PKTT as Mchunu confirms his decision. KZN Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi objects, arguing the PKTT was 'the only successful task team in the country' and that its dissolution would derail ongoing investigations. Analysts and civil society warn the move could embolden political hitmen.
120 dockets moved — Mkhwanazi alleges sabotage
Mkhwanazi alleges that over 120 active dockets were removed from the PKTT and reassigned to Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya without his approval, halting imminent arrests and compromising investigations — perhaps, he suggests, because those ordering the disbandment have interests in the political criminal underworld. Minister Mchunu defends the decision before Parliament.
2 events
New Year's Eve directive: Mchunu orders the PKTT disbanded
On 31 December 2024, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu issues a formal directive disbanding the Political Killings Task Team, stating that 'its further existence is no longer required, nor is it adding any value to policing in South Africa.' The directive becomes the fuse for everything that follows.
The disbandment directive
Minister Senzo Mchunu issues a formal directive disbanding the PKTT, effective 31 December 2024, stating the unit is 'no longer required'. Mchunu later defends the decision before Parliament, saying the President approved it and that the PKTT was never a formal SAPS unit but a 'temporary group' created for a specific purpose that had been achieved.
1 events
Final report released
The SAHRC releases the final report of the National Investigative Hearing into the July 2021 unrest ('July's People'), following oral hearings and a consolidation phase.
1 events
Mkhwanazi on the stand: 'There is something wrong with society'
At the SAHRC's National Investigative Hearing into the July unrest, National Commissioner Gen Khehla Sitole and KZN Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi testify in November-December 2021. Mkhwanazi's evidence is combative: he disputes former Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula's account as 'pure fabrication' and tells the panel 'there is something wrong with society'. The hearing is the first public stage where Mkhwanazi clashes with political leadership over the unrest — a pattern that returns, far more explosively, in July 2025.
1 events
The July 2021 unrest — 354 deaths, R50-billion damage
From 8 to 17 July 2021, unprecedented violent unrest swept KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng: looting, destruction and economic disruption, with an estimated 354 deaths and over R50-billion in economic losses. The SAHRC's response — an Imbizo on 23 July 2021, then a National Investigative Hearing — remains the human rights anchor for the state's accountability.
1 events
PKTT established after a wave of political killings
Following a surge of politically-linked violence in KwaZulu-Natal — and the September 2017 murder of ANC leader Sindiso Magaqa — SAPS creates the Political Killings Task Team in 2018. The multi-disciplinary unit brings together SAPS, the NPA and crime intelligence under the oversight of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Political Killings.
1 events
The Magaqa murder — the case that changed everything
Sindiso Magaqa, an ANC leader, is murdered in September 2017 — the killing that galvanises the creation of the PKTT and comes to symbolise KZN's political violence crisis.