The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System - commonly known as the Madlanga Commission, has moved to correct what it calls a growing public misconception around a police-led task team operating under its name.
In a statement, the Commission clarified that the so-called “Madlanga Task Team” or “Madlanga Commission Task Team” is not part of the Commission and does not fall under its structure or authority.
“The Judicial Commission of Inquiry was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate the allegations made by Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on July 6, 2025, whilst the Task Team was established by General Fannie Masemola, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS),” the Commission said.
It explained that the SAPS-led team was created to follow up on referrals contained in the Commission’s first interim report submitted to President Cyril Ramaphosa on December 17, 2025.
The clarification comes after recent media reports linked the “Madlanga Task Team” to arrests, creating what the Commission says is a misleading impression that it is directly involved in law enforcement operations.
“This is likely to lead to the wrong perception that Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, or the Commission he chairs, is arresting people,” the statement read.
The Commission stressed that such an impression is inaccurate and risks undermining public understanding of its judicial role.
“Justice Madlanga is concerned by this possible perception, not least because the function of arresting people is at odds with the judicial function,” it said.
The Commission emphasised that its mandate is strictly investigative and judicial in nature, not operational.
Following engagements between the Commission and SAPS, authorities have agreed that the task team will be renamed to avoid further confusion. SAPS is expected to issue further communication regarding the new designation.
The Commission says the move is aimed at preserving clarity around institutional roles and ensuring the public is not misled about the separation between judicial oversight and police enforcement.