The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) welcomes the progress report released by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System (The Madlanga Commission), as it marks one year since the commencement of its hearings.
We are grateful that the Commission’s work has exposed the serious threat that organised crime, corruption, political interference and criminal syndicates pose to the integrity of South Africa’s criminal justice system and the rule of law.
The ACDP commends Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, the co-commissioners, evidence leaders, investigators and support staff for their commitment to uncovering the truth without fear or favour.
The testimony of 110 witnesses over 174 hearing days, together with thousands of pages of documentary evidence, demonstrates both the scale of the challenge confronting South Africa and the importance of ensuring that all credible allegations are thoroughly investigated.
The Commission has provided an important platform for exposing alleged criminal networks and institutional weaknesses that have eroded public confidence in law enforcement and the administration of justice.
The ACDP has consistently maintained that corruption and criminal infiltration of state institutions threaten our constitutional democracy, weaken law enforcement agencies and deny South Africans the safety, security and justice they deserve. We therefore fully support the Commission’s efforts to expose wrongdoing and identify those responsible for criminal conduct, regardless of their position, rank or political affiliation.
We are encouraged that arrests, criminal charges, suspensions and resignations have already followed evidence presented during the inquiry. These developments demonstrate that the Commission’s work is having a tangible impact while the inquiry is still underway. However, South Africans rightly expect that investigations will be pursued to their conclusion and that those found guilty of criminal conduct will face the consequences of their actions.
The ACDP also pays tribute to the witnesses and whistle-blowers who have come forward to assist the Commission, often at considerable personal risk. In particular, we remember Marius van der Merwe (Witness D) and again extend our heartfelt condolences to his family. His tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who choose to stand against corruption, criminality and abuse of power and emphasises the need to strengthen whistle-blower protection.
As the Commission continues its work and prepares its final report, the ACDP calls on the SAPS, the Hawks, the NPA and all relevant authorities to act swiftly on the credible evidence emerging from the inquiry. We further urge President Ramaphosa to ensure that the Commission’s recommendations are implemented without delay, including those aimed at strengthening law enforcement institutions, protecting whistle-blowers, improving oversight mechanisms and closing gaps that allow criminal networks to operate within state structures.
Our country cannot afford for the findings of this Commission to gather dust on a shelf. The public demand decisive action that restores public confidence in the criminal justice system, strengthens the rule of law and demonstrates that no individual is above the law.
ACDP remains strongly committed to supporting all lawful efforts aimed at rooting out corruption, dismantling criminal networks and restoring integrity to public institutions.
We will continue to advocate for a criminal justice system that is effective and capable of protecting all South Africans from the scourge of organised crime and corruption.
Lastly, we support calls for the establishment of a permanent, independent Anti-Corruption Commission as a Chapter Nine Institution similar to bodies like the Public Protector or the South African Human Rights Commission, in view of the serious challenges exposed by the inquiry with the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption.
