Political analysts and experts believe Advocate Terry Motau’s possible resignation from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has raised questions about its independence, warning that this could open the door for more exits. 

Motau, the chief evidence leader, reportedly told the City Press that he has made a request to leave the commission but refused to share reasons about his departure as nothing has been finalised yet. 

According to the report, Motau was requested to reconsider his decision and has undertaken to give feedback soon.

This could result in serious delays in the operations of the commission while a replacement was being considered.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, who demanded the first report within three months, established the commission in July to investigate serious allegations of criminal syndicates infiltrating and corrupting South Africa’s criminal justice system. The inquiry was triggered by public accusations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi alleged that criminal actors had penetrated law enforcement and interfered with investigations into high-profile political murders in KwaZulu-Natal. He also accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of improperly disbanding the Political Killings Task Team, potentially under corrupt influence.

Mkhwanazi claimed a police investigation in Gauteng had uncovered a drug cartel syndicate that involved and corrupted politicians, law enforcement officials, and members of the judiciary.

Mchunu has denied the claims.

Motau on Sunday did not respond to messages and calls.

However, political analyst Zakhele Ndlovu said although Motau’s resignation from the commission will not derail its work, it may raise questions about its credibility.

Ndlovu added that this came as a shock as the commission is less than a month old, calling on Motau to provide reasons behind his decision.

 “Without him (Motau) giving us the reason for quitting, it leaves us speculating. The commission is less than a month old and what could be the reason for his decision to quit. Some people think he could have been threatened. We may never know the truth,” he said.

Another political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe, said the country should brace itself for delays, saying the commission should have proper planning for such hiccups.

“No individual is indispensable. Delays caused by resignations should be factored in any proper planning. To that extent, there will be someone to replace him. We should brace ourselves for such hiccups,” Seepe said.

Madlanga Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels was not available for comment as his phone was off. 

Motau SC is a prominent South African legal professional, best known for authoring The Great Bank Heist report on the VBS Mutual Bank scandal in 2018.

 His report exposed widespread fraud, corruption, and looting that led to the theft of nearly R2 billion.

The report triggered legal and regulatory action against implicated officials, board members, and executives, and became a key reference for corruption in the financial sector.

Meanwhile, the MK Party suggested the reason for Motau’s possible departure ‘could be interference, which might have a negative impact’. 

“He is now finding himself presiding over politically sensitive issues,” said spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela.

He said that the party was also concerned that Motau’s departure could impact the process and the integrity of the commission.

Independent crime expert Mary de Haas said that Motau’s departure ‘would not be a big deal as there are other senior evidence leaders’.

manyane.manyane@inl.co.za

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