President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the final report deadline for the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System.

The commission is now scheduled to submit its final report on November 16, shifting from the originally anticipated date of August 31.

Spokesperson to the President Vincent Magwenya explained that the extension granted by Ramaphosa sets an evidence deadline of October 2, and a reporting deadline of November 16, to enable the commission to close off topics it has opened up in the course of hearings to date.

Magwenya explained that without this additional time, large parts of the crucial investigation would remain unfinished. The extension ensures that the commission can adequately hear evidence on every matter listed in its official terms of reference.

Ramaphosa established the Inquiry in July last year. The decision followed explosive whistleblowing claims by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Mkhwanazi exposed severe criminal networks infiltrating South African law enforcement agencies.

Ramaphosa expressed his deepest appreciation for the ongoing work of the commission. He also commended law enforcement agencies for actively following up on the vital testimony emerging from the hearings.