Media
News24 and Daily Maverick have opposed a proposed secrecy order at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, rejecting plans to hear the next witness in camera. The inquiry into justice system corruption has postponed its decision pending submissions from all parties after earlier delays and a witness’s illness.
Proceedings at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Monday centred on a dispute over transparency, as two media houses challenged a proposed decision to hold parts of the hearings behind closed doors.
The publications have applied to oppose the commission’s plan to hear the next witness in camera, a move that would exclude both the media and the public from attending the session.
News24 and the Daily Maverick through their legal representatives told commissioners that the publications would oppose the granting of an order “in the form that it currently takes.”
The commission heard submissions from various parties on how to proceed, with evidence leaders suggesting that all written arguments be filed by 5pm on Monday. However, after brief deliberations, commissioners agreed to extend the deadline to 9pm to allow both sides more time to finalise their submissions.
The publications told the commission that they would be content with a written ruling from the commission rather than oral argument, provided all parties had the opportunity to make full written submissions.
“We would be happy with a decision on paper.”
The commission, which is investigating allegations of criminality, corruption and political interference in the justice system, was suspended a week ago after police head of crime intelligence, Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, fell ill while testifying.
Proceedings were further delayed to allow commissioner Sesi Baloyi to attend to her duties as a member of the Judicial Service Commission.
The commissioners adjourned the proceedings, saying they would communicate their decision on whether to hold parts of the inquiry in camera after considering the written arguments.
