Ramaphosa awaits interim Madlanga report amid heightened witness security concerns

The Office of the Presidency has confirmed that the highly anticipated interim report from the Madlanga Commission is yet to land on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s desk. Despite the delay, the Commission is still scheduled to submit the document to the President on Wednesday.

This marks the first formal feedback from the Commission since it began its mandate in September. The inquiry was established to investigate widespread allegations of corruption within the criminal justice system.

SCOPE AND CONFIDENTIALITY
While the interim findings will remain under embargo, the Presidency has assured the public that the full and final report will be released once the Commission concludes its work. According to Presidency Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, the interim report serves as a critical status update.

"We’re expecting it to be handed over today as agreed and as expected from the Commission. One of the reasons we are not releasing the report publicly is because there's still more work to be done, said Magwenya.

KEY WITNESSES AND SAFETY CONCERNS

The Commission has already heard testimony from several high-profile figures, including:

Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi: KZN Police Commissioner and the initial source of the claims.

Senzo Mchunu: Police Minister (currently on special leave).

Dumisani Khumalo: Crime Intelligence Boss.

Julius Mkhwanazi: Suspended EMPD Acting Chief.

Marius van der Merwe: The slain whistleblower known as "Witness D," who was gunned down earlier this month shortly after testifying.

Magwenya noted that while the President is satisfied with the progress of the probe, he remains deeply concerned by the nature of the allegations and the recent violence against witnesses.

"He did find it disturbing when a witness was killed and did instruct that more measures be looked at in terms of protecting those who have appeared before the commission as well as those who are still to appear," Magwenya added.