As the country prepares for the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System (Madlanga Commission), news of a serious security lapse has emerged.
KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, is expected to be the first witness to testify before the commission on Wednesday, 17 September.
The proceedings will take place at the Bridgitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria.
COMMISSION SPOKESPERSON RESPONDS TO BREACH
Newzroom Afrika anchor Iman Rappetti spoke with commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels following reports that members of the media and public were able to gain unvetted access to the building.
Michaels described the breach as “unacceptable,” adding that the commission would be seeking answers. He assured the public that accountability would be sought.
“The building itself, the Justice College, has been locked down. It was swept this morning by the security services. But the issues with access control – we certainly are going to be seeking answers as to what happened,” said Michaels.
Former head of the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit in the Western Cape, Jeremy Veary, also voiced concerns, citing malfunctioning metal detectors and the absence of an accreditation process earlier in the day. He stressed the need to prioritise security measures ahead of the high-profile hearings.
SECURITY FAILURES IN COURTS UNDER SPOTLIGHT
The breach comes at a time when court security nationwide is under sharp scrutiny following a spate of violent incidents. On Friday, 5 September, a man was shot dead outside the Athlone Magistrate’s Court in Cape Town. In April, another person was fatally shot at the Church Road court in Cape Town, with the killing taking place in front of scores of witnesses inside the building.
Earlier this year, the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development conducted a walkabout inspection at the KwaZulu-Natal High Court. Committee Chairperson, Mr. Xola Nqola, raised alarm over safety risks after discovering there were no fire extinguishers or smoke alarms in the filing facility.
