Advocate Terry Motau has officially stepped down as the evidence leader in the Madlanga Commission, a public inquiry probing alleged corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS). His departure comes just two weeks after the commission began its hearings in Pretoria, raising questions about the internal dynamics and administrative preparedness of the high-profile inquiry.
In a candid interview with 702’s Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa on Thursday morning, Motau addressed public speculation surrounding his resignation, making it clear that his decision was not motivated by financial concerns. Instead, he emphasized that “certain administrative issues” were the primary reasons behind his early exit from the commission.
“Not at all,” Motau responded when asked whether remuneration had been a concern. “Taking up such a task is an act of service, and I have no doubt other evidence leaders took a huge pay cut. Speaking for myself, I took a huge one, but I was conscious of the fact that this is a different task.”
Matthew Chaskalson Replaces Motau as Evidence Leader
With Motau now out of the commission, prominent advocate Matthew Chaskalson has been appointed as the new evidence leader. Chaskalson brings with him extensive experience, having previously served on both the Marikana Commission of Inquiry and the Zondo Commission into state capture.
The transition aims to maintain continuity in the commission’s work, which is expected to span several months and uncover deep-rooted corruption within the police force. Legal experts say that Chaskalson’s involvement could bring renewed structure and direction, especially given the commission’s early administrative struggles.
However, Motau’s unexpected departure has led to renewed scrutiny of the commission’s internal setup and resource management. While he avoided directly criticizing the commission’s leadership or operational systems, his remarks suggest a level of disorganization behind the scenes.
During the interview, Motau reflected on his prior involvement with the Zondo Commission, noting that many legal professionals worked without pay during the early phases of that inquiry, despite its massive costs over time.
“People worked for two months without remuneration,” said Motau, recalling the dedication and public service ethic that marked the early days of the Zondo Commission. “That didn’t deter us then, and it wasn’t the issue here either.”
His comments were intended to dismiss the notion that financial disagreements led to his resignation. Instead, Motau emphasized that he took on the role with full awareness of the sacrifices involved, both financially and personally.
The resignation of a high-profile legal figure such as Motau has sparked concern among civil society organizations and legal commentators. Many are questioning whether the Madlanga Commission is adequately prepared to handle the scale of the investigation it has undertaken.
While Motau declined to delve into the details of the administrative challenges he faced, his departure has ignited calls for more transparency and accountability within the commission’s own operations.
Analysts say that if the commission cannot retain key legal personnel due to internal issues, it could cast a shadow over the legitimacy and efficiency of its findings.
Terry Motau is no stranger to major investigations. He gained national attention for leading the investigation into the looting of VBS Mutual Bank and authored the now-famous “The Great Bank Heist” report. His legal expertise and reputation for integrity have made him a respected figure in both judicial and public circles.
His appointment as evidence leader to the Madlanga Commission was seen as a strong move to bolster the credibility of the inquiry. That credibility may now be at risk, especially if the reasons for his resignation are not addressed by the commission’s leadership in due course.
With Motau stepping away and Chaskalson stepping in, the Madlanga Commission is at a crucial turning point. The coming weeks will be vital in determining whether it can regain momentum and deliver on its mandate to expose and address police corruption.
As the hearings continue in Pretoria, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the commission handles the internal issues hinted at by Motau, and whether further resignations or disruptions may follow.
Advocate Terry Motau’s resignation from the Madlanga Commission just two weeks into the inquiry raises more questions than answers. While he has made it clear that money was not a factor, his reference to “administrative issues” suggests deeper structural concerns within the commission. The appointment of Advocate Matthew Chaskalson brings experience and hope for stability, but the path ahead will be challenging as the commission works to retain public confidence and meet its objectives.
Source- EWN
