The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has paused its public hearings and will resume open proceedings on 9 November, with the inquiry turning its attention to in-camera hearings over the next two weeks.
From 5 October, the Commission will hear evidence behind closed doors relating to ongoing investigations and confidential material that cannot be aired publicly.
Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said the decision was partly influenced by practical challenges surrounding the upcoming local government elections on 4 November, particularly the impact on media coverage and the Commission’s livestreaming service.
“Having considered a number of practicalities related to the upcoming local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026, particularly the fact that media coverage of the Commission and the provision of the livestream service will be difficult in the run-up to the elections, the Commission will resume its public hearings on 9 November,” Michaels said.
The Commission will also hold a two-day seminar during October as part of preparations for drafting its final report.
The inquiry plans to complete Phase Two in the remaining months of 2026, including testimony from suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
It will then move towards the conclusion of Phase Three, which is expected to include the return of KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to the witness stand.
The Commission’s final report is due to be submitted to President Cyril Ramaphosa on 25 January 2027.