Concerns rise over Madlanga Commission delay

THE postponement of the Madlanga Commission into criminality, political interference and corruption of law enforcement, favours those implicated to interfere with evidence and intimidate witnesses.

- MANYANE MANYANE [e-mail]

This is according to experts and political parties, who raised concerns about the impact on the safety of witnesses and whistleblowers.

On Tuesday, the Commission announced that its hearings, initially set to begin on September 1, will no longer commence on the set date.

The commission said this was due to delays in the procurement of essential infrastructure by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCD).

This resulted in DJCD’s Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi suspending the department's Director-General, Advocate Doc Mashabane, and the Deputy Director-General responsible for ICT in the department, Jabu Hlatshwayo, for their lack of due diligence in ensuring that the commission starts on time.

The Commission has been tasked with probing the allegations of political interference and corruption made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

However, crime expert and violence monitor, Mary de Haas, said even though this was not the commission' fault, the delay will allow more time for cover-ups.

De Haas said this could also have an impact on the safety of the people who want to give evidence, especially whistleblowers.

“And we will see documentation shredded. It is easy to cover up when you have enough time to do it, especially with Information Technology (IT) services,” said Haas.

She said this is because the IT systems in the government are poor, especially in the SAPS.