Madlanga Commissioner Sandile Khumalo Targeted In Intimidation Campaign
Madlanga Commission of Inquiry commissioner Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC has allegedly been targeted in an escalating campaign of threats and intimidation that has extended to family members and included explicit threats of sexual violence against women.
Advocates for Transformation (AFT) said today, Tuesday that threatening messages had been sent from multiple cellphone numbers to Khumalo, AFT national chairperson Advocate Myron Dewrance SC, and people close to Dewrance.
The organisation said it had initially kept the matter private, but the threats had become increasingly aggressive and had extended to family members and others.
According to AFT, some of the messages claimed knowledge of the targets’ locations, workplaces and movements. The messages also allegedly instructed Dewrance and members of his family to “blame Sandile”.
AFT said its preliminary inquiries suggested the threats may be linked to disciplinary proceedings involving a member of the Johannesburg Society of Advocates (JSA) facing serious professional misconduct charges.
At the time, Khumalo chaired the JSA’s Professional Committee and served on its Bar Council after being nominated by AFT.
However, AFT stressed that its investigation is still at an early stage and that it has not accused the JSA, the advocate facing disciplinary proceedings or any other identified person of sending the threats.
The organisation also said there was currently no indication that the threats were linked to Khumalo’s role on the Madlanga Commission.
Khumalo serves on the commission alongside retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga and Commissioner Sesi Baloyi. The inquiry is investigating allegations of criminality, corruption and political interference within the criminal justice system.
AFT condemned the threats, particularly the alleged sexual violence threats against women, and said intimidation of lawyers and other justice actors posed a broader threat to the rule of law.
Police are investigating the matter, while no suspects have been publicly identified.
AFT said it would take all lawful measures necessary to protect those affected and ensure that those responsible are identified and held accountable.
