Media Freedom
A new witness, identified as Witness X, has begun testifying before the Madlanga Commission under tight security. Testifying off-camera through an intermediary, Witness X supported Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo’s claims of corruption among senior police. The Commission said the setup protects witnesses in high-level cases.
Synopsis:The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and two media houses have reached an agreement for the next witness to testify remotely and off camera.
A new witness, identified only as Witness X for security reasons, has been sworn in before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and is testifying remotely and off-camera through an intermediary.
The commission is investigating allegations of criminality, corruption and political interference in the justice system.
Witness X’s testimony links to evidence previously presented by crime intelligence head Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo regarding the alleged beneficial relationship between the head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) in KwaZulu-Natal, Maj-Gen Lesetja Sesona, his son, and criminally accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Katlego Matlala.
Khumalo’s evidence was interrupted after he fell ill during proceedings and could not continue.
On Tuesday, Witness X referred to WhatsApp messages that, according to the witness, illustrate the relationship and Sesona’s alleged efforts to protect Matlala. The witness told the commission that additional messages will be presented to complete the record of communication and demonstrate their beneficial relationship.
Under the agreed security arrangements between the commission and the media, Witness X’s image and voice are not being broadcast. Instead, an intermediary listens to the witness’s testimony and relays it to the commission. Exhibits and documents referred to during the testimony are being displayed on screen and will be included in the public record.
The commission said this setup forms part of the measures put in place to protect the identity of witnesses testifying in sensitive matters.
