Inquiry Delay: Minister Kubayi Suspends ICT Deputy Director-General Amid Justice Madlanga Issues

Johannesburg – The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has suspended Jabu Hlatshwayo, the Deputy Director-General (DDG) overseeing ICT, due to delays in securing vital infrastructure.

Earlier on Tuesday, 26 August 2025, the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption within the Criminal Justice System issued a statement expressing disappointment that its hearings, originally scheduled for 1 September 2025, would be delayed because of procurement setbacks.

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In response to chairperson Justice Madlanga’s decision to postpone the inquiry regarding allegations against Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the minister explained that she had to take action when it became clear that deadlines would not be met.

Upon learning of the anticipated delays on Friday, 22 August 2025, the minister remarked: “It became clear that intervening in the procurement process without violating the PFMA [Public Finance Management Act] and SCM [Supply Chain Management] policies would be virtually impossible.”

She added: “I promptly notified the President and submitted a detailed report for his review, which included the immediate suspension of the DDG responsible for ICT, Mr. Jabu Hlatshwayo.”

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has indicated that President Cyril Ramaphosa has granted Minister Kubayi the Constitutional authority to initiate disciplinary actions against the Department’s Director-General, Advocate Doc Mashabane.

“This decision was communicated to him this afternoon,” stated the department.

“Nonetheless, we wish to emphasize that despite these challenges, the Madlanga Commission has commenced preliminary activities, including engaging with witnesses.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that the Commission can initiate its work without further delays, while also improving the Department’s operational efficiency to prevent similar issues in the future.”

Meanwhile, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) claimed that the postponement of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry was not unexpected, but instead a clear indication of how fundamentally flawed and absurd this commission is.

The MK Party pointed out that the commission was originally set to start proceedings on 1 September 2025 before the postponement occurred.

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“This delay reinforces what the MK Party has long maintained: that the judiciary itself is indeed embroiled in the issues at hand,” the statement from party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela stated.

“The institution tasked with delivering justice is now mired in political theatrics and internal decay.”

The MK Party contended that the judiciary, which should be acting decisively, is “now responsible for overseeing its own investigation, resulting in an unacceptable conflict of interest.”

They further commented: “Ultimately, the creation of this Commission amounts to a wasteful expenditure: a mere distraction to protect the powerful.

“It is not a pathway to achieving justice but rather a tool for political manipulation.”

The MK Party reiterated its belief that this Commission acts as a means for politicians and judicial members to obstruct the legitimate efforts of law enforcement.

“The longer this charade persists, the more compromised the outcome will be,” asserted the MK Party.

“As time goes on, whistleblowers remain unprotected, evidence deteriorates, and perpetrators of corruption strengthen their hold.

“The Commission’s credibility is already in tatters, and as a consequence, public trust in the justice system is deteriorating irreparably.

“South Africans deserve more than this. We deserve authentic justice, not a staged performance.”

However, the department reaffirmed that despite the obstacles, the Madlanga Commission has started its preliminary work, including engaging with witnesses.

“We remain committed to ensuring that the Commission’s work commences promptly and improving the Department’s operational efficiency to avert similar challenges in the future,” the department concluded.