Witness M, a businessman claiming threats to his safety, has continued giving testimony in camera at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry this week after the commission granted his request for closed-door proceedings due to sensitive allegations and reported surveillance threats outside his home, according to official statements and confirmed by Eyewitness News and SABC News.

Details Of Testimony And Security Concerns

The Madlanga Commission is investigating allegations of corruption and misconduct in South Africa’s criminal justice system, with Witness M’s in-camera testimony involving accusations against current and former heads of state, drug syndicates, organised crime families, terrorist groups, politically connected individuals, and members of law enforcement. The commission granted Witness M’s request on 8 July to restrict both media and public access to his evidence after he cited safety risks for himself and his family.

“I am humbly requesting permission from the commission to testify in camera and not to have the same televised or be heard in public. The request stems from the fact that I would be providing evidence that is of a sensitive nature and could jeopardise my safety, that of my family and it could have an adverse effect on the reputation of my business,” Witness M stated, as recorded by IOL.

Commission Timeline And Next Steps

The commission confirmed that Witness M reported two suspicious vehicles conducting surveillance outside his home prior to these proceedings. Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, chairing the inquiry, told the media that it is uncertain when the commission’s public hearings would resume, stating, “At this stage we have no idea by when we will be done so I can’t announce when we will resume with open session. That will be announced by our spokesperson in due course.”

The public hearings are expected to continue once Witness M’s private testimony concludes, according to the commission’s plan. The outcome of the closed testimony could have substantial implications for ongoing investigations into state-linked organised crime and corruption in South Africa.

The commission will announce the date for the next public session after reviewing the sensitive evidence and assessing security risks for Witness M and related parties.