Minister of Justice Mamoloko Kubayi has criticised the timing of a statement issued by the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption.
The commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, announced on Friday that its hearings would be postponed.
Kubayi, speaking alongside Deputy Justice Minister Andries Nel, expressed frustration that the commission went ahead with the announcement despite her department’s request to communicate the postponement first.
The commission, established to probe allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, confirmed that hearings would not begin as scheduled on Monday, 1 September.
KUBAYI RESPONDS TO STATEMENT
Kubayi said the plan to announce the postponement was established, and despite that, the commission released a statement. She criticised the commission for not extending her the courtesy of prior consultation, despite her consistent cooperation.
“I think giving us courtesy, especially because I’ve been very cooperative with them, and they can get hold of me over my WhatsApp, they can call me anytime. I’ve been responsive to their e-mail, even less than two hours after they sent it to me, I’m responding to them. I found it very unfair what they’ve done,” said the minister.
The minister also told SABC News that the statement created unnecessary panic and gave the impression that no plans were in place. She stressed that she has worked to safeguard the commission from departmental interference.
Kubayi also pointed out that her department, which Mkhwanazi claims has been infiltrated by criminal syndicates, had no role in appointing the commission’s leadership. She said the media briefing was necessary to demonstrate that the commission is operating independently.
SUSPENDED OVER DELAYS
During the briefing, Kubayi also confirmed that Deputy Director-General Jabu Hlatshwayo was suspended with immediate effect. This followed critical failures that led to the Madlanga Commission’s delays.
Meanwhile, the department’s director general, Doc Mashabane, was also placed on suspension. Kubayi said President Cyril Ramaphosa asked her to institute disciplinary proceedings. However, she added that she does not want to go into details.
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