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President Cyril Ramaphosa has formally established a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate serious allegations of political interference, corruption, and systemic dysfunction within South Africa’s criminal justice and intelligence sectors.
The proclamation, gazetted this week, follows damning testimony by former Crime Intelligence boss, Major General Feroz Mkhwanazi, before Parliament’s Standing Committee on Intelligence. Mkhwanazi accused senior state institutions — including the police, the State Security Agency, and elements within the National Prosecuting Authority — of being deeply compromised by political agendas and external manipulation.
According to the official gazette and accompanying terms of reference, the Commission will examine:
- Allegations of selective investigations and prosecutions,
- Abuse of state security structures for political or personal gain,
- The erosion of public trust in law enforcement agencies, and
- Failure to effectively coordinate between SAPS, the Hawks, SSA, and other arms of the criminal justice system.
President Ramaphosa stated the Commission’s purpose is “to restore integrity, professionalism and public confidence” in key institutions tasked with upholding the rule of law. “We cannot afford a justice system where perceptions of capture or bias continue to fester,” he added.
The inquiry is empowered to summon witnesses, subpoena documents, and make findings that may lead to further investigations or reforms. It will run for six months, with the option to extend, and is expected to provide recommendations on strengthening governance, transparency, and institutional independence.
Legal experts and civil society organisations have cautiously welcomed the move, noting that the commission’s credibility will depend heavily on its leadership and the scope of evidence it considers.
The presidency is expected to name a chairperson — likely a senior retired judge — within days. The terms of reference were developed in consultation with legal advisors and aligned with section 84(2)(f) of the Constitution.
The inquiry comes at a sensitive time for the country’s security apparatus, with a wave of violent crimes, corruption scandals, and stalled prosecutions raising serious concerns about institutional decay. The DA and EFF have both urged Parliament to ensure oversight mechanisms track the Commission’s progress.
