The Madlanga commission has implemented measures to ensure witnesses testifying remotely are not assisted by third parties. Commission attorneys will be present in the same room as witnesses testifying virtually. This protocol aims to maintain the integrity of witness testimonies. Former SAPS crime intelligence deputy head Feroz Khan's testimony, initially scheduled for Tuesday, was postponed after his uncle-in-law was shot dead. Khan's testimony will be rescheduled, with commission attorneys present to ensure its integrity.
Khan's testimony was postponed for the second time due to security concerns. He was previously shot in an apparent assassination attempt before his initial scheduled appearance. Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels stated that attorneys will be present with witnesses, regardless of their appearance method. This measure ensures witnesses are assisted only by commission attorneys. Michaels did not disclose details on Khan's rescheduled testimony due to security considerations.
The commission's protocols were questioned after taxi boss Bafana Sindane attempted to avoid appearing before the commission. Sindane faced questions about evidence from WhatsApp conversations accessed by the commission. He argued that the commission did not follow its rules in obtaining his phone from the Hawks. However, Sindane's high court bid to avoid appearing was unsuccessful. The commission welcomed the court's decision.
Sindane made two unsuccessful applications to interdict the commission. The Gauteng high court struck off his application with a punitive costs order. The commission will provide an update on Sindane's appearance in due course. Meanwhile, the commission is set to resume public hearings on November 9. Several high-profile individuals, including suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu and Gubis85 director Calvin Mahlangu, are expected to appear.
The Madlanga commission's final report is expected to be handed to President Cyril Ramaphosa on January 25 next year. The commission has been investigating various allegations, and its hearings have been closely watched. With the resumption of public hearings, the commission is expected to hear from more witnesses. The presence of commission attorneys with virtual witnesses aims to ensure the integrity of the process.
The commission's spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, expressed satisfaction with the court's decision regarding Sindane's application. Michaels stated that the commission will continue with its hearings, following its protocols. The commission's hearings have been marked by several postponements and security concerns. Despite these challenges, the commission remains committed to its investigation.
The Madlanga commission's investigation is ongoing, with several key witnesses yet to testify. The commission's report will likely have significant implications for those involved. With its protocols in place, the commission aims to ensure a fair and transparent process. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by various stakeholders.
Key points
- The Madlanga commission has measures in place to prevent third-party assistance for remote witnesses.
- Former SAPS crime intelligence deputy head Feroz Khan's testimony has been postponed due to security concerns.
- Taxi boss Bafana Sindane's high court bid to avoid appearing before the commission was unsuccessful.
