A member of the Forensic Police stands around a crime scene at the Maponya Mall in Soweto on 14 August 2025, the day after gunmen killed a ride-hailing driver in the latest violence between online operators and traditional taxi and minibus drivers.
JOHANNESBURG - Forensic investigations and crime expert Dorothy Mmushi says she is hoping that President Cyril Ramaphosa will come up with a vigorous strategy to tackle the rot in South Africa's criminal justice system.
Ramaphosa will deliver the annual State of the Nation Address in Cape Town tonight, where he is expected to speak on a series of issues affecting South Africans.
Mmushi says the president must detail clear and decisive plans to deal with the country's escalating crisis in the criminal justice system.
"I think South Africans will be quite intrigued and will be watching with interest to know what new strategies will be applied in terms of fighting the scourge of fraud, corruption and general criminality within South Africa," Mmushi said.
Ramaphosa's address comes as the Madlanga Commission, established to probe alleged interference within the criminal justice system, continues its work.
"For me, I feel like the Presidency, as well as his advisors, have not applied their minds adequately in terms of how they are going to handle outcomes, or rather recommendations from the Madlanga Commission," Mmushi said.
Mmushi further stated that South Africa's criminal justice system is in crisis mode and requires imminent intervention for rectification.
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In his 2025 State of the Nation Address, Ramaphosa assured South Africans that the war against crime will intensify.
He assigned Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and National Commissioner Fannie Masemola to prioritise reducing gun-related crime and violence.
The Madlanga Commission is investigating allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system.
Mchunu, who is suspended, maintains his innocence and is a key figure in the inquiry.