Public Interest SA Commends Chief Justice’s Swift Response, Urges Transparent Handling of Allegations at Madlanga Commission

Tebogo Khaas
Oct 23
2 min read

Updated: Oct 24

Johannesburg, Thursday, 23 October 2025 — Public Interest SA has welcomed the prompt and transparent statement issued by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya on behalf of the Judiciary following the testimony given by “Witness A” before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System — commonly known as the Madlanga Commission.

In her statement, the Chief Justice expressed concern over the testimony alleging that a sum of R2,5 million had been earmarked to secure bail for Katiso “KT” Molefe, while reaffirming the Judiciary’s commitment to integrity and the rule of law.

“The Chief Justice’s forthright response reflects a deep understanding of the importance of maintaining public confidence in the Judiciary. Her leadership in addressing such sensitive allegations promptly and transparently deserves commendation,” said Tebogo Khaas, chairperson of Public Interest SA.

Public Interest SA emphasised that while the allegations remain untested, they highlight a broader concern about the perception and potential reality of systemic compromise within South Africa’s criminal justice system.

“The testimony before the Madlanga Commission underscores the urgent need for institutional vigilance. Allegations of this nature, even when unproven, risk eroding public trust in the very institutions meant to uphold justice. It is therefore imperative that all oversight bodies — including the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and its Judicial Conduct Committee (JCC) — act with transparency, urgency, and independence. While the presumption of innocence remains sacrosanct, it is disquieting that Acting Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba has resisted calls to voluntarily step aside while serious allegations implicating his office are being examined. A temporary recusal would have demonstrated respect for the gravity of the claims and reinforced public confidence in the impartiality of the Judiciary,” added Khaas.

The organisation further urged that credible evidence of judicial misconduct be submitted formally to the JCC, as prescribed by the Judicial Service Commission Act, to ensure due process and accountability.

While reaffirming its confidence in the integrity and professionalism of the overwhelming majority of judges and magistrates, Public Interest SA cautioned that the Judiciary’s credibility depends as much on perceived integrity as on actual conduct.

The organisation also called on the Madlanga Commission to guarantee that its proceedings remain open to public scrutiny and that its final report includes concrete recommendations to strengthen institutional safeguards against corruption and political interference.

“Justice must not only be done — it must be seen to be done. The Madlanga Commission presents an opportunity to confront long-standing vulnerabilities within our justice system and to rebuild the moral authority of our courts,”concluded Khaas.

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Picture: Katlego Jiyane/EWN