The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is considering calling medical professionals to testify in an effort to curb repeated postponements caused by witnesses submitting sick notes shortly before their scheduled appearances.
Proceedings were halted on Wednesday after a witness due to testify submitted a medical certificate indicating that he was unwell. The individual, who cannot be named at this stage, is a Crime Intelligence officer responsible for handling agents and informants within the South African Police Service.
Since the commission began its work, at least four hearings have been postponed because witnesses reported being ill at the last minute. In 2025, hearings involving Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo and suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya were delayed after both submitted sick notes. Earlier this month, another witness, known as Witness F, also failed to appear for the same reason.
Commissioner Sesi Baloyi indicated that the recurrence of such incidents is raising concern. She suggested that if the pattern continues, the commission may consider compelling doctors or healthcare professionals who issue medical certificates to appear before it. Another option under consideration is whether witnesses could be compelled to testify despite submitting medical certificates, depending on the circumstances.
The commission is expected to resume hearings on Thursday with a new witness.
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