Madlanga Inquiry: Witness calls for swift action to fix rot within criminal justice system

A witness at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has called for swift action to fix the rot within the criminal justice system.

On Thursday, Witness B concluded her two-day testimony before the commission.

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The commission was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July to probe allegations of corruption and collusion within the criminal justice system, made public by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

During her testimony, Witness B revealed how the head of organised crime, Major-General Richard Shibiri, allegedly colluded with criminally accused tender tycoon Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala and a money exchange was done between the pair.

During her concluding remarks, Witness B urged the commission to not only assist in addressing issues of corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS) but also loopholes within legislation that worked in favour of those accused of crimes.

"Sometimes it hurts because they tell you in your face that 'I will get bail again. I will never stay in prison.'"

She referred to challenges faced when investigating high-profile individuals from within the criminal justice system.

"Most of them, they have cried on my shoulder, and they had hope that we would make a difference and that we’ll bring justice, but when we are trying to do the right thing, we’re having challenges from the offices that shouldn’t be challenging us, from the offices that should be supporting us."

She said that she remains at peace knowing she had spoken on behalf of detectives across the country who face similar pushback in their investigations every day.

"I will die peacefully knowing that I was doing the right thing and that the whole country knows what cause I died for."

The commission of inquiry continues on Friday.