Our Viewpoint | Madlanga Commission of Inquiry

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry investigating irregularities within the criminal justice system has, in a remarkably short space of time, demonstrated what can be achieved when institutions are properly resourced, led by credible individuals and allowed to operate without fear or favour. At a time when trust in the country’s criminal justice system has been severely eroded by allegations of political interference, corruption and organised criminal infiltration, the commission’s work offers a rare glimpse of how public institutions should function. Despite the politically charged environment, it has managed to conduct highly sensitive investigations with diligence, fairness and transparency.

Much of that is due to the calibre of the commissioners and evidence leaders. Their approach has been calm, courteous and measured. There has been no open hostility towards witnesses, even when the evidence has been difficult or uncomfortable.

But their politeness should not be mistaken for weakness. When witnesses have appeared evasive, avoided direct answers or attempted to hide behind technical explanations, the commissioners and evidence leaders have shown that they are prepared to be firm. Questions are repeated, contradictions are tested and witnesses are pressed to explain themselves.

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They have also resisted the temptation to turn the proceedings into a spectacle. The focus has remained on building the evidence, establishing the facts and allowing witnesses to place their versions on record. The commission must be allowed to weigh the documents, the testimony and the competing versions before reaching its own findings.

Those findings may not necessarily reflect the impressions formed during the hearings, and there are likely to be some surprises. The commission’s work reinforces an important lesson: institutions do not fail simply because of inadequate legislation. They fail when competent leadership is absent, accountability is weak and political interests overshadow the national interest.

Its progress also raises questions about why other investigations, including Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing similar allegations, have achieved so little. Too often investigations become expensive exercises that consume public funds without delivering meaningful outcomes. The Madlanga Commission has shown that taxpayers’ money can produce value when there is a clear mandate, capable leadership and an unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. This should become the benchmark against which future commissions and public inquiries are measured.

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