Tag Archives: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development

Justice Committee concerned about delays in start of Madlanga Commission of Inquiry

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

26 August 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Xola Nqola said he has noted with concern the announcement of the delay in the proceedings of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System. Nqola said the commission, headed by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, previously announced it will start its hearings on 1 September, but today it became apparent that the commission is not ready to proceed on that day.

“It is especially concerning that the delay seems to be due to public servants not executing their responsibilities. This commission is of utmost importance to restore credibility for the country.

“This follows the media briefing by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi today, where she admitted that “certain issues could’ve been avoided” by administrators in the Department of Justice in relation to the delays in ensuring the Madlanga Commission had the necessary resources to start on 1 September 2025,” he said.

Nqola further said she went on to announce that she has placed the department’s Director-General, Advocate Doc Mashabane, and Deputy-Director-General responsible for Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Jabu Hlatshwayo, on immediate suspension pending a full investigation and disciplinary process. He added that this is because of the failures and lapses on the system and also not being able to do due diligence in ensuring that the commission starts on time.

Nqola said it is regrettable that these public servants have not done their work to ensure this process starts on time. He said they call on the Minister to closely monitor the progress to ensure the work of the commission commences speedily.

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Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development welcomes Mlambo’s appointment

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Picture: Newly-appointed Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, Justice Dunstan Mlambo

By BAKANG MOKOTO

1 August 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Xola Nqola said he welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s appointment of Justice Dunstan Mlambo as Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa. Xola said Mlambo brings with him a wealth of experience and a distinguished track record in the judiciary.

Nqola further said he served as Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court for over a decade. He added that Mlambo has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the independence of the judiciary, access to justice, and the transformation of the legal system.  

“His appointment is another positive step in the transformation of the judiciary and ensuring that it remains the protectors of our constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

“The portfolio committee extends its congratulations to Mlambo on his appointment and wishes him success in this new role of national importance. We are confident that he will serve with integrity, wisdom, distinction and dedication to the Constitution,” emphasised the Chairperson,” said Nqola.

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State witness shot and killing in court 

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

8 April 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Xola Nqola, expressed his shock at the killing of a state witness inside the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court earlier today. Nqola said criminals have become so brazen that they do not care who they shoot or where they shoot.

He further said he struggles to comprehend how these criminals can take a court and turn it into a murder scene. Nqola added that this is a brazen attack, where criminals fear no one. 

“It is totally unacceptable. What is more worrying is the fact that these brutal attackers walked into a court building whilst armed when they shot the witness in the lobby. The question now is, how did they manage to enter the building with firearms without being detected? 

“During last month’s oversight visit to various courts in KwaZulu-Natal, the committee found most of the metal detectors not functioning. It was not working, and we raised that concern to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, as well as the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure,” he said. 

Nqola said they need to revisit the security at all courts for the safety of the Judges, magistrates, advocates, lawyers, and the public daily, unsuspectingly assuming they are safe when entering the buildings. 

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