'Truth, not scapegoat’: Legal team outlines commission’s mission to expose corruption in justice system

Legal team led by Adv. Terry Motau at the Madlanga Commission on Wednesday, laid bare the chilling allegations that have rocked the country’s justice system - claims of deep political interference, corruption, and criminal infiltration that, if proven true, strike at the very heart of the rule of law.

Motau’s address marked the formal commencement of public hearings following the explosive July 6 media briefing by KZN  Police Commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. 

That briefing prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish this high-level commission to investigate whether criminal syndicates, including drug cartels, have infiltrated key institutions such as SAPS, the NPA, the Judiciary, the SSA, and even Parliament and the Executive.

“These revelations - especially coming from a sitting provincial commissioner - are of significant national importance,” Motau told the packed hearing room.

“They strike at the heart of the rule of law and national security.”

Motau outlined the scope of the inquiry, stating that the commission will investigate allegations that senior political figures, including the suspended Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu, interfered in sensitive investigations and dismantled elite task teams such as the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).

It’s alleged that over 120 criminal dockets were removed from the PKTT under questionable circumstances.

“Even more alarming, a Gauteng-based task team reportedly uncovered a drug cartel-linked syndicate involving politicians, police officers, prosecutors, and members of the judiciary - painting a picture of a state apparatus under siege.

But Motau was quick to stress: “These remain allegations. The commission proceeds without presuming their truth. Our mandate is to follow the evidence - objectively, rigorously, and fearlessly.”

Motau framed the inquiry around South Africa’s three pillars of justice: law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. 

“Infiltration of any of these pillars enables systemic rot, with catastrophic consequences for society,” he said.

The inquiry will unfold over three phases with the second phase seeing implicated parties respond voluntarily or under summons.

A third and final phase will allow for rebuttals and final clarifications before findings and recommendations are submitted to Ramaphosa.

Mkhwanazi is currently testifying before the commission on the allegations he made earlier this year. 

Motau reaffirmed the commission’s independence and commitment to fairness: “We are not conducting a trial. We seek truth - not scapegoats. This commission is a fact-finding body, not a court of law.”

Public participation will be encouraged, and whistle-blowers have been invited to come forward. Any obstruction of the commission’s work, Motau warned, was a criminal offence under the commissions Act.

What unfolds in the commission may determine the future credibility of South Africa’s justice system and the resilience of its democracy.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za 

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