“We should restrict ourselves”: Adhoc Committee chair warns MPs against using Madlanga testimony

A parliamentary ad hoc committee task team has decided to exclude all evidence from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in its current draft report. During a virtual session held on 17 August 2026, members were instructed to focus solely on the witness accounts and submissions they gathered themselves.

Chairperson Soviet Lekganyane issued a stern warning to lawmakers against referencing external transcripts or cross-examinations. He noted that because the committee never formally requested documents from the commission, they cannot legally lean on its findings for their presentation to the National Assembly.

Procedural Boundaries and Future Steps

Despite the current restrictions, Lekganyane clarified that the door is not completely shut on the commission's data. He admitted that the committee is aware of the commission's proceedings and could formally request collaboration or documentation at a later stage if necessary.

For now, the committee aims to maintain its independence. By sticking to its own evidentiary record, the body hopes to avoid procedural challenges when the draft report is finally tabled before Parliament.

Credibility Concerns and Perjury Threats

The investigation has already faced significant drama, including a potential perjury charge for IDAC head Andrea Johnson. Contradictions emerged between her statements to the committee and her testimony at the Madlanga Commission regarding her interactions with MP Faiez Adams.

Lekganyane previously warned that the committee’s reputation is on the line if it fails to produce clear findings. However, DA chief whip Glynis Breytenbach has cautioned against jumping to conclusions based on unverified allegations, reminding members they lack the legal authority to determine criminal guilt.

As the committee deliberates over its fourth draft, the pressure is mounting to deliver a report that is both legally sound and thorough in its pursuit of accountability within the criminal justice system.