Madlanga Commission to hear key witness off camera to protect identity
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has decided its next witness will testify remotely, off camera and through an intermediary to protect their identity.
The commission is investigating claims that a drug cartel is behind efforts to disband the KZN Political Killings Task Team, after the team began probing the cartel.
KZN police chief Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleges that the well-connected criminal network has captured the justice system.
The commission’s chief evidence leader recently requested that testimony over the next two weeks be held behind closed doors, citing witness safety and the need to protect the ongoing investigation.
News24 and the Daily Maverick opposed the application.
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Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirmed that the parties reached an overnight agreement to safeguard the witness’s identity for testimony scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.
Advocate Matthew Chaskalson, chief evidence leader, confirmed this arrangement with commission chair Mbuyiseli Madlanga on Tuesday morning.
“The witness will testify remotely and off camera. Answers of the witness to questions posed by the evidence leaders will be repeated publicly through an intermediary. He or she repeats the witness's words,” Madlanga said in his ruling.
Negotiations between the parties are still underway on another witness set to testify later this week.
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