CASAC notes today’s statement from the Presidency on the Interim Report submitted by the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System.

CASAC welcomes the Commission’s referral of several implicated persons for further criminal or disciplinary investigation and prosecution. A total of fourteen people have been named thus far.

We also commend the President for directing the Minister of Police and the National Police Commissioner to establish a special investigations task team. Given the breadth of allegations against senior members of law enforcement agencies at the Madlanga Commission it is necessary that a select task team be assembled to ensure that investigations are credible, thorough and speedy.

It will be necessary for the Minister and General Masemola to keep the nation updated on the progress of the investigations.

We further note that the December report from Justice Madlanga was an interim one, and that the hearings of the Commission continue. We expect that more names will be added to the list of persons to be investigated as the Commission proceeds with its work and the preparation of its final report. We trust that the final report will make clear and specific recommendations with respect to institutional reform of the criminal justice system as a whole to enhance its effectiveness and strengthen the rule of law.

Enquiries:

Lawson Naidoo

0731585736