Madlanga Commission | Public, media barred from Witness G hearing

The Madlanga Commission has ruled that Witness G’s testimony will be heard entirely in camera, with no public or media access due to the sensitive nature of the evidence.

The decision follows an application by the witness’s legal team for parts of the testimony to be heard behind closed doors, citing security concerns.

Commission Chair, Mbuyiseli Madlanga, said it would be impractical to alternate between open and closed session, as parts of evidence must remain confidential.

He added that a fully private hearing would prevent interruptions and procedural delays.

Witness G, believed to be a SAPS intelligence officer with service dating back to 1990, is expected to give key evidence behind closed doors.

The commission on Monday faced delays as it attempted to proceed with her testimony, before confirming the shift to a closed hearing.

Evidence before the commission also focuses on her long career in SAPS Crime Intelligence, including an operation she reportedly headed until around 2008/2009.

Witness G is expected to give evidence relating to North West businessman and  alleged political fixer, Brown Mogotsi, who is accused of colluding with senior SAPS officers.

She confirmed that her testimony will also address Mogotsi’s alleged role within the Crime Intelligence division.

Her evidence further touches on alleged suspicious deaths and attempted assassinations, among other serious claims.

The witness declined to read portions of her statement into the record, saying it could expose her identity.

“Council I will not read it into the record because it will identify who I am and some of the names mentioned there are attached to me. But I can confirm that the contents from these paragraphs are correct,” said witness G.

The commission’s proceedings took an unexpected turn as both the evidence leader, Advocate Matthew Chaskalson and commissioners confirmed they would also monitor the testimony remotely.

Witness G’s attorneys also followed the proceedings remotely.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao