Ramaphosa Defends Delay of Madlanga Commission Report, Promises No Shield for the Implicated

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday defended his decision to withhold the interim report of the Madlanga Commission, assuring members of Parliament that no one – including businessman Hangwani Morgan Maumela – would be shielded from scrutiny. The commission is investigating allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption within the criminal justice system.

Commission Background and Allegations

The Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System was established following explosive allegations made in July 2025 by KZN provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. These allegations detailed corruption, political interference, and the protection of criminal networks.

Report Findings and Next Steps

Ramaphosa stated he received the commission’s interim report in December 2025. The report contains recommendations based on prima facie evidence of wrongdoing, falling into three main areas:

• Referral of matters with evidence of wrongdoing to relevant institutions for criminal investigation.
• Calls for urgent decisions on prosecutions where required.
• Recommendations regarding the employment status (including potential suspension) of individuals in law enforcement or intelligence services implicated by the evidence.

The president announced the establishment of a special investigation task team, reporting directly to the national police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, to investigate those identified by the commission. Acting police minister Professor Firoz Cachalia will oversee the department during this process. Some individuals have already been suspended, and disciplinary proceedings are underway.

Justification for Delaying Public Release

Ramaphosa explained that releasing the interim report now could prejudice witnesses whose testimony is incomplete and jeopardize ongoing investigations. He emphasized the need to protect witnesses, noting that some who have already appeared before the commission have been targeted and faced danger.

“Any witness who goes before the commission should not feel that they have been prejudiced by the upfront release of the information,” Ramaphosa said. “They should go to the commission and present their story, even as the commission itself may already have made certain observations that led to actions being taken.”

Addressing Concerns of Political Interference

Responding to concerns raised by MK Party MP Des van Rooyen regarding potential protection of politically connected individuals, specifically Hangwani Morgan Maumela, Ramaphosa reiterated that no one would be shielded. He denied having a familial relationship with Maumela, despite previous reports suggesting otherwise.

“I have already gone in public to describe the relationship between myself and Maumela, and I do not wish to get into that again because the continuous peddling of that information, which is actually misinformation, is completely incorrect,” Ramaphosa stated.

Maumela’s Alleged Involvement in Corruption

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has previously linked Maumela to the alleged siphoning of over R2 billion from funds intended for Tembisa Hospital, identifying him as the leader of the “Maumela Syndicate” responsible for the fraud.

Commitment to Transparency

Ramaphosa affirmed that all reports will be made public once the commission completes its work, subject to advice from the commission regarding potential risks to witnesses. He reiterated his commitment to accountability and transparency, stating, “No big name or small name…will be shielded.”