Advocates for Transformation confirmed on Monday 8 September 2026 that Madlanga Commission member Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC has received escalating threats alongside AFT national chairperson Advocate Myron Dewrance SC and members of Dewrance’s family. No suspect has been identified. Image: Supplied
A Madlanga Commission member and the national chairperson of Advocates for Transformation have received escalating threats. The Madlanga Commission threats against Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC came to light on Monday 8 September 2026. Furthermore, the threats also targeted AFT national chairperson Advocate Myron Dewrance SC and members of his family. As a result, the commission and the legal community are dealing with what appears to be a campaign to intimidate key figures in the inquiry.
AFT confirmed the threats in a public statement. The threats against Khumalo have been getting worse over time. The threats also drew in Dewrance’s family members. Authorities have not yet identified or accused anyone of sending the threats. Furthermore, AFT did not specify the nature or form of the threats. As a result, the full details of what Khumalo, Dewrance and those around them experienced remain unknown pending investigation.
The threats carry enormous significance. The Madlanga Commission has exposed alleged criminal networks, corrupt relationships between police officials and underworld figures and alleged misconduct at the highest levels of the NPA through IDAC. Witnesses who testified before the commission faced public attacks and legal challenges. Now key commission figures face physical threats as well. Furthermore, legal professionals working around the commission have previously raised concerns about the pressure on those involved. As a result, the confirmation of threats against Khumalo and Dewrance raises serious questions about who benefits from intimidating those closest to the commission’s work.
Advocates for Transformation represents Black advocates in the South African legal system. It has been an active voice in debates about the transformation of the legal profession and the independence of the Bar. AFT views the threats as a danger not only to the individuals targeted but to the integrity of the commission and the rule of law. Furthermore, AFT called on authorities to investigate and protect those targeted. As a result, the matter has become a formal concern raised through a professional legal body.
The Madlanga Commission concludes its work by 16 November 2026 after President Cyril Ramaphosa extended its mandate. The commission’s Recommendations Task Team arrested senior officials in Ekurhuleni and Tshwane based on its findings. The commission is examining testimony about IDAC, Crime Intelligence and alleged relationships between underworld figures and senior law enforcement officials. Furthermore, the commission recalled IDAC head Advocate Andrea Johnson to respond to allegations that she told a prosecutor to leave the country if called to testify. As a result, the threats against Khumalo and Dewrance arrive at the most sensitive phase of the commission’s work.
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Editors Note No person has been identified or accused of sending the threats at the time of publication. All information is based on a statement by Advocates for Transformation published on 8 September 2026.