By Mapaballo Borotho
- Madlanga Commission of Inquiry Commissioner Sandile Khumalo has allegedly been subjected to an escalating campaign of threats and intimidation.
- Advocates for Transformation says the threats, sent from multiple cellphone numbers, have allegedly included threats of sexual violence against women and references to the locations and movements of those targeted.
- The organisation says the threats may be linked to disciplinary proceedings involving a member of the Johannesburg Society of Advocates.
Madlanga Commission of Inquiry Commissioner Sandile Khumalo has reportedly been subjected to an escalating campaign of threats and intimidation.
This was revealed by Advocates for Transformation (AFT), which says its National Chairperson, Advocate Myron Dewrance, Advocate Sandile Khumalo, and their families have been targeted.
According to AFT, the threats have been sent from multiple cellphone numbers and have become increasingly aggressive, including explicit threats of sexual violence against women.
In a statement released on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, the organisation said the messages repeatedly name Dewrance and Khumalo and, in some instances, allegedly claim knowledge of their locations, workplaces and movements.
“This is not merely a private dispute or a threat against particular individuals. It forms part of a disturbing pattern in South Africa in which those who perform functions within the administration of justice are threatened, intimidated, and in the most extreme cases, assassinated,” the statement read.
AFT believes the threats may be linked to disciplinary proceedings involving a member of the Johannesburg Society of Advocates (JSA) who is accused of serious professional misconduct.
The organisation says Khumalo had professional responsibilities in relation to the matter.
“The threats repeatedly blame Advocate Khumalo for what occurred, instruct Advocate Dewrance and members of his family to blame Sandile,” AFT said.
“We do not presently identify the authors of these threatening and intimidatory communications nor do we accuse the member concerned, the JSA or any other identified person of responsibility. That is a matter for further investigation”.
The organisation said it would take all necessary lawful steps to ensure that those affected are protected and that those responsible are held accountable.
AFT warned that intimidation of lawyers and other justice actors poses a broader threat to the rule of law, particularly given South Africa’s history of violence against prosecutors, lawyers, investigators and other justice officials.
The organisation also strongly condemned the alleged threats of sexual violence against women, saying families should not become targets of retaliation.
AFT said it would not comment on operational or investigative matters.
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