The Judicial Madlanga Commission of Inquiry heard partial, in-camera testimony from two protected witnesses on June 22, 2026 [1], [2].
These proceedings are critical as the inquiry seeks to expose the depth of corruption, political killings, and organized drug syndicates operating within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The witnesses, identified as Witness N and Witness O, are both members of the SAPS [1], [3]. Due to the sensitive nature of their testimony and concerns for their personal safety, the commission allowed them to testify behind closed doors [1].
According to reporting from the Daily Maverick, the commission screened a video during the proceedings that appears to link organized-crime figure Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala with senior police officials [2]. The evidence focuses on alleged wrongdoing and drug-related activities involving high-ranking officers.
This specific hearing is part of a broader effort to illuminate how criminal syndicates may have infiltrated law enforcement. The BBC said the Madlanga Commission has become the most watched inquiry into police corruption in South Africa [4].
While some reports mention a drug seizure at Durban harbour, the primary focus of this specific session remained the protected testimony of the two officers [1], [3]. The use of in-camera proceedings ensures that those providing evidence against their colleagues can do so without risking retaliation.
“The Madlanga Commission has become South Africa’s most watched inquiry into police corruption.”
The use of protected witnesses and in-camera testimony suggests that the commission is dealing with high-level threats and internal SAPS retaliation. By linking organized crime figures like Matlala directly to senior officials through video evidence, the inquiry is moving from general allegations of corruption to specific, evidentiary links between the state's security apparatus and criminal syndicates.
