South Africa's Justice System Under the Microscope: A Year of High-Profile Cases and Inquiries
2025 has proven to be a pivotal year for South Africa's criminal justice system, playing out across courtrooms and public hearings nationwide. From the ongoing State Capture prosecutions to alarming allegations of police infiltration by criminal syndicates, the year has been marked by significant legal developments.
The year began with renewed vigour in several State Capture matters and arrests made by the Political Killings Task Team. Here's a detailed look back at the key legal events that unfolded before judges and magistrates throughout 2025:
State Capture Cases Gain Momentum
The Transnet State Capture corruption case resumed in January, with former executives facing charges of fraud, corruption, and money laundering related to the controversial locomotive procurement programme. Among those charged are former Group CEO Brian Molefe, former CFO Anoj Singh, former CEO Siyabonga Gama, and former Public Enterprises Minister Dr Malusi Gigaba, along with several others. The charges involve irregular tenders, contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act, and inflated contracts worth billions.
March saw the release of a State Capture progress report, revealing that 21% of cases had been finalised or enrolled, with over half under active investigation. Government recoveries of stolen public funds reached nearly R11 billion, a significant increase from R2.9 billion in 2022. This includes R2.9 billion recovered by the SIU and R8 billion by the Asset Forfeiture Unit, with assets worth R10.6 billion under restraint or preservation orders. Major recoveries include settlements with ABB (R2.55 billion), McKinsey (R1.12 billion), and SAP (R1.16 billion).
High-Profile Corruption Trials Inch Forward
April brought confirmation of a trial date in one of South Africa’s largest corruption cases, involving former Free State premier Ace Magashule and businessman Edwin Sodi. The case centres around R255 million paid for asbestos-roof removal work that allegedly never took place, with charges including fraud, corruption, and money laundering.
Former ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe also returned to court in March on charges linked to a R27 million tender involving waste-collection tricycles awarded to his company, Enviro Mobi, by the Ekurhuleni Metro Municipality. The matter has been postponed multiple times, with Mabe and his six co-accused currently out on R30,000 bail. The Special Investigating Unit has obtained a preservation order preventing Mabe from selling his Steyn City property and Porsche Carrera.
Challenges to Justice and Fair Trial Standards
February saw the Supreme Court of Appeal overturn a murder conviction in the case of Ngcobo v The State, citing the improper handling of single-witness evidence. The court found that the trial court and the High Court had misdirected themselves by incorrectly finding corroboration in photographic evidence and wrongly rejecting the accused’s alibi. The appellant was acquitted and discharged, highlighting ongoing concerns about fair-trial standards in violent-crime cases.
Scandals Within the Police Force
July witnessed the eruption of a police-state infiltration scandal, leading to President Cyril Ramaphosa's removal of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu following explosive allegations linking him to criminal syndicates. The claims emerged during a media briefing by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The fallout resulted in the establishment of the Madlanga Commission and a parliamentary ad hoc committee.
The Madlanga Commission hearings, which began in August, heard allegations of a criminal-police cartel known as the “Big Five” syndicate. Claims included hit-squad operations, drug and firearms smuggling, and infiltration of hospitals, procurement systems, and SAPS units. Some witnesses alleged interference by judges and prosecutors in syndicate-linked cases.
Hospital Corruption and Whistle-blower Intimidation
In August, the SIU released findings detailing extensive procurement fraud at Tembisa Hospital in Gauteng. The investigation uncovered fraudulent suppliers, rigged tenders, front companies, and alleged intimidation and killings of whistle-blowers, including Babita Deokaran. Luxury homes, vehicles, and bank accounts were seized. Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, an alleged syndicate figure believed to be a key player in the Tembisa Hospital scandal, was arrested in October and charged with attempted murder of a former girlfriend.
Other Notable Cases
- SARS "Ghost Export" VAT Fraud Case: Dating back to June 2003, the case against Hendrik Delport and 13 co-accused remains the longest-running criminal trial in SARS history. The accused allegedly claimed VAT refunds for cigarette exports that never occurred. The trial was postponed once more in October, pushing proceedings into late 2025.
- Yakhe Kwinana Extortion Case: Former SAA board member Yakhe Kwinana was arrested in March on charges including extortion and malicious damage to property linked to a dispute over her family farm. The case has faced repeated delays, with Kwinana’s legal team accusing the NPA of procedural failures.
- Phala Phala Theft Case: The Modimolle Regional Court postponed the case to September 15, 2025, to allow accused Froliana Joseph time to give birth and recover. Joseph, her brother Ndilinasho Joseph, and alleged ringleader Immanuwela David face charges of housebreaking, theft, and conspiracy related to the burglary at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Limpopo farm.
- Cradock Four Inquest: The long-delayed inquest into the 1985 murders of Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sicelo Mhlauli, and Sparrow Mkonto resumed at the Gqebera High Court in June.
- Inkosi Simphiwe Zuma Triple-Murder Trial: Nxamalala Traditional Authority leader Inkosi Simphiwe Zuma was arrested for the murder of his cousin, Induna Qalokunye Zuma, and later re-arrested for the murder of his nephew, Umnngeni Municipality DA chief whip Nhlalayenza Ndlovu.
- Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla Trial: Former uMkhonto weSizwe Party MP Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla stood trial in November on charges of incitement related to the July 2021 unrest.
- Jacob Zuma and Thales Arms-Deal Corruption Case: The long-running case continues, with former president Jacob Zuma and arms manufacturer Thales applying to have charges withdrawn. Judge Nkosinathi Chili reserved judgment for January 23, 2026.
- Thabo Bester Escape Case: Convicted murderer Thabo Bester and several co-accused, including Dr Nandipha Magudumana, returned to court on charges related to his escape from custody, fraud, corruption, and prison-security breaches.
- Shebeshxt Attempted Murder Charges: Popular lekompo musician Lehlogonolo Chauke, known as Shebeshxt, spent Christmas behind bars after being denied bail at the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on charges including the shooting of two men in Ladanna in Limpopo.
2025 has undoubtedly been a year of intense scrutiny for South Africa's criminal justice system. The numerous high-profile cases and inquiries highlight the ongoing challenges in combating corruption, ensuring fair trials, and maintaining the integrity of law enforcement. As these cases continue into 2026, the nation will be watching closely to see whether justice will ultimately prevail.
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