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.
The Guardian 