Public Interest SA Welcomes Presidential Action Following Madlanga Commission Interim Report

Johannesburg, South Africa, Thursday, 29 January 2026 — Public Interest SA welcomes the decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to implement precautionary measures and consequence management following the release of the Madlanga Commission’s interim report.

The President’s acceptance of the Commission’s recommendations and his directive to establish a dedicated investigations task team signal a necessary and timely response to serious allegations that strike at the heart of the criminal justice system.

This development is consistent with calls previously made by Public Interest SA for decisive action by the relevant authorities.

In recent correspondence addressed to the Minister of Police and the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Public Interest SA urged the adoption of precautionary measures — including suspensions and relocations — where officials are implicated in serious misconduct. While Public Interest SA does not seek to attribute the President’s actions to its representations, the organisation is encouraged by the speed and clarity with which the Presidency has acted on the Commission’s interim findings.

Public Interest SA notes the President’s acceptance of the Commission’s referrals for immediate criminal investigation, urgent prosecutorial decisions, and employment-related interventions, including recommended suspensions.

The expectation articulated by the Presidency — that all law enforcement agencies and criminal justice institutions act with urgency in implementing these recommendations — is both appropriate and overdue.

The interim report identifies prima facie allegations of serious criminality, including corruption, fraud, murder, perjury and other unlawful conduct, involving officials within the South African Police Service, the City of Ekurhuleni, and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department. While the Commission has correctly emphasised that these remain prima facie allegations and not final findings — particularly where affected individuals are yet to respond — the gravity of the allegations warrants immediate investigative and administrative action to protect the integrity of institutions tasked with fighting crime and corruption.

Public Interest SA further welcomes the President’s directive to constitute a special investigations task team reporting directly to the National Commissioner.

The establishment of such a unit is critical to ensuring focus, independence, and urgency, and to preventing further erosion of public confidence caused by delays or institutional inertia. Where the Independent Police Investigative Directorate is already seized with matters, accountability for progress and explanations for delays are essential.

Quote attributed to Tebogo Khaas, Chairperson of Public Interest SA:

“The President’s swift acceptance of the Madlanga Commission’s interim recommendations and the establishment of a dedicated investigations task team are necessary steps to restore public trust. While due process must be respected and allegations remain prima facie until tested, the seriousness of these matters demands immediate, credible action. Consequence management cannot be deferred where the integrity of the criminal justice system is at stake.”

Public Interest SA will continue to monitor the implementation of the Commission’s recommendations and calls on all responsible authorities to act with transparency, urgency, and fidelity to the rule of law. Restoring confidence in law enforcement and municipal governance requires not only investigations, but demonstrable accountability and timely outcomes.

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