Threats Against Madlanga Commissioner Khumalo Spark Legal Profession Alarm

PRETORIA — Advocates for Transformation (AFT) has condemned what it describes as a ‘sustained campaign of threats and intimidation’ against some of its members, including Advocate Sandile Khumalo, a commissioner serving on the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

AFT says Khumalo, the organisation’s national chairperson Myron Dewrance, and members of their families have been subjected to threatening messages from several cellphone numbers. 

The organisation says some of the messages have contained highly personal information, including references to the individuals’ whereabouts, workplaces and movements.

It says the threats have also extended to family members and, in some cases, allegedly included threats of sexual violence against women. 

Khumalo’s involvement is particularly significant because of his role in the Madlanga Commission, which is investigating allegations of corruption, criminality and political interference within South Africa’s criminal-justice system.

As a commissioner, Khumalo has been actively involved in testing evidence before the inquiry and questioning witnesses on issues central to its investigation.

His interventions have included detailed scrutiny of the conduct of law-enforcement and investigative agencies, as well as the decisions taken by senior officials in handling sensitive investigations.

During hearings, Khumalo has challenged witnesses over apparent inconsistencies in evidence and sought clarity on how particular investigations were initiated, managed and ultimately pursued.

ALSO READ: Madlanga Unhappy With ‘Useless’ Medical Certificates as Another Key Witness Misses Commission Hearing

His questioning has formed part of the Commission’s broader effort to establish whether investigative institutions operated independently and lawfully.

The Commission’s work has attracted considerable public attention because of the serious allegations being examined and the senior officials and institutions appearing before it.

“The threats against Khumalo and others must therefore be viewed with particular seriousness,” read the statement.

However, the organisation has cautioned against concluding who may be behind the intimidation.

According to AFT, preliminary inquiries have pointed to a possible link with disciplinary proceedings involving a member of the Johannesburg Society of Advocates, dating back to a period when Khumalo had professional responsibilities within the organisation. 

AFT has stressed that this does not amount to an accusation against the advocate involved, the Johannesburg Society of Advocates or any other individual. 

The identity and motives of those responsible for the threats remain matters for investigation.

The organisation has condemned what it regards as an attempt to intimidate members of the legal profession, particularly where their work involves matters of significant public interest. 

AFT says threats against advocates and their families go beyond a dispute between individuals and have implications for the independence of the legal profession, the administration of justice and the rule of law.

The organisation has called for the threats to be properly investigated and says it will take lawful steps to safeguard those affected.

The allegations remain under investigation.