The EFF is demanding the immediate, public release of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry's first and second interim reports, criticising the Presidency's secrecy and its handling of the commission’s deadline extensions.

The party has called for the publication of both the interim reports submitted to President Cyril Ramaphosa. The party stipulated that these releases should only be subject to redactions strictly necessary to protect witnesses, ongoing criminal investigations, or legitimate national security concerns.

The Presidency announced a second extension for the inquiry, shifting the final report submission deadline from August 31 to November 16.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya explained that the timeline sets an evidence deadline of October 2, enabling the commission to close off topics explored during public hearings.

However, the EFF expressed frustration over a perceived lack of transparency. While acknowledging that the inquiry has uncovered troubling evidence of criminal syndicates infiltrating South Africa's justice and security systems, the party condemned the lack of clarity regarding how much additional time or resources the commission genuinely requires.

The party highlighted ongoing secrecy surrounding the findings, noting that both interim documents remain hidden from the public despite their far-reaching recommendations.

The first interim report, submitted in December 2025, contained recommendations that immediately resulted in referrals for criminal investigations, prosecutorial consideration, and administrative action against implicated individuals, while in the second interim report, submitted in May 2026, the Presidency acknowledged that it also contains recommendations requiring urgent prosecutorial and investigative action.

The EFF maintained that the inquiry belongs to the people of South Africa and that its findings are matters of constitutional integrity rather than private presidential correspondence.

Meanwhile, despite concerns over internal police vetting delays, RISE Mzansi welcomed the decision by the President to grant a requested timeline extension for the Madlanga Commission.

The party believes the extra time is crucial to allow the Commission and the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee to thoroughly complete their mandates without cutting corners.

However, the political party remains vigilant, noting that a timeline extension must be paired with rapid, decisive implementation on the ground to restore public trust in the country's police force.

RISE Mzansi National Assembly Chief Whip Makashule Gana has issued a stern warning following revelations from the ongoing Madlanga Commission, stating that criminal networks have deeply infiltrated the highest ranks of the South African Police Service.

While acknowledging a recent parliamentary update from Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia regarding lifestyle audits and re-vetting, Gana criticised the sluggish pace of execution, pointing out that the process has been inexcusably slow since its initial announcement by the President.

“The rot is deeper,” Gana explained. “We need action now, not more delays, and we call on the vetting authorities to treat this with the absolute urgency it demands.”