South Africans eagerly awaited progress on police corruption. However, Madlanga Commission has stalled the inquiry. Retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga leads the effort to expose justice system interference. Yet, procurement failures have stopped the process cold. This emphasized how the Madlanga Commission stalls progress.
Why Do Madlanga Commission Delays Persist?
The Justice Department failed to secure critical tools. Specifically, laptops and secure data storage remain unavailable. Consequently, the commission scrapped planned hearings for 1 September.
Madlanga voiced regret over lost time, emphasizing the tight three-month deadline for an interim report. Moreover, procurement issues with ICT tools and cybersecurity continue. For instance, only 25 laptops arrived by 26 August, and they still require setup. Meanwhile, other services remain unresolved, showing how the Madlanga Commission stalls are affecting the entire process.
Officials Face Accountability
Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi acted swiftly. She suspended Deputy Director-General Jabu Hlatshwayo for failing to deliver ICT services. Similarly, Director-General Doc Mashabane faces suspension pending investigation.
Kubayi stressed that poor due diligence caused these Madlanga Commission delays, illustrating how procurement issues can lead to stalling. Additionally, Parliament’s justice committee, led by Chair Xola Nqola, raised concerns. Nqola criticized public servants for neglecting duties and urged Kubayi to ensure prompt resource delivery to avoid future stalls.
Political Tensions Rise
The EFF fiercely criticized President Cyril Ramaphosa. They called the Madlanga Commission delays a deliberate tactic to shield Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. Furthermore, the party argued the inquiry merely appeases public concerns.
Likewise, Jacob Zuma’s MK party labeled it a strategy to protect allies while targeting opponents. As a result, the EFF vowed to push for accountability through a parliamentary committee starting in September.
What Lies Ahead for the Inquiry?
The commission has not set a new start date. Nevertheless, it pledges to move quickly once resources arrive. Kubayi committed to finalizing procurement soon to prevent further Madlanga Commission delays. South Africans, tired of corruption, grow increasingly frustrated because the commission’s stalling continues. Therefore, the government faces intense pressure to deliver results and rebuild trust in the justice system.
