Madlanga Commission says it 'won't be distracted' by claims of internal cracks

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry says it won’t allow for its work to be derailed by claims of internal cracks following reports that the chief evidence leader, Terry Motau, wants out.

This follows reports by the City Press that Motau had requested to leave the commission chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.

The commission said it would continue with the business of the day when hearings resume on Monday, with corruption-accused Crime Intelligence boss, Dumisani Khumalo, set to testify.

Khumalo, a key witness, has featured prominently in testimony given before the commission’s public hearings so far.

The Madlanga Commission said it will not publicly discuss internal staffing matters.

Spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said the commission was squarely focused on its job to conduct an inquiry into the gravely serious allegations that law enforcement agencies have been infiltratedby criminal syndicates and drug cartels.

"We will not be distracted, as the work of the commission is critically important for the rule of law in our country."

The testimony by Khumalo comes amid a cloud of uncertainty over his job, following his recent arrest by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) on fraud and corruption charges.

This is linked to the appointment of Dineo Mokwele to a senior post within the unit, despite her not having any previous policing experience.

Police sources claim Khumalo’s arrest deeply angered his ally, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused IDAC of playing politics.

Mkhwanazi believes Khumalo’s arrest was part of an attempt to halt ongoing investigations into uncovering a Gauteng criminal network, which he claims is protected by members of the criminal justice system.