Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga reprimands Fadiel Adams for repeatedly calling him ‘Chief’

Formal proceedings at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry took a sharp turn when the chairperson, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, took issue with the language used by a witness. National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams found himself on the receiving end of a judicial lecture regarding professional decorum.

The commission is currently investigating serious allegations regarding political interference, corruption, and criminal activities within the country's justice system. Adams appeared on Monday to provide testimony concerning his knowledge of these matters.

Casual Titles Cause Friction

During his appearance on August 19, Adams repeatedly referred to Justice Madlanga and other commissioners using the informal term 'Chief.' The repetition eventually prompted the chairperson to intervene and demand a more respectful form of address.

The Justice's frustration peaked after Adams not only used the word 'Chief' but also followed it up by calling the high-ranking official 'boeta.' These colloquialisms were deemed inappropriate for the gravity of the legal environment.

A Swift Apology

The reprimand appeared to catch the Member of Parliament by surprise. Adams immediately offered an apology for the slip in protocol and attempted to realign his language with the formal requirements of the commission.

Beyond the linguistic clash, Adams used his time on the stand to address allegations regarding 'state capture 2.0.' The MP firmly denied claims that such interference was taking place within the criminal justice framework.

The inquiry continues to examine the integrity of South Africa's legal institutions. As the chairperson of the proceedings, Justice Madlanga remains firm on ensuring that all witnesses maintain a level of formality that reflects the seriousness of the investigation.