The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has ruled that Witness M’s testimony regarding the theft of 541 kilograms of cocaine in Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal, will be heard in-camera to protect the witness’s identity and ensure their safety, according to an official statement from the commission on Tuesday.

Application And Legal Timelines For In-Camera Hearing

Advocate Mahlape Sello, acting as the commission’s evidence leader, applied for Witness M’s testimony to be conducted without public or media access on 5 May 2026. Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga stated, “The application must be served on the media by 2 pm today, 5 May, 2026. The media must respond by 2 pm on 7 May, 2026. The final order will be made on 7 May, 2026. If there is no opposition. If there is opposition, a replying affidavit must be filed by 8 pm on 7 May, 2026.”

Significance For Ongoing Investigation And Witness Protection

The commission’s decision comes amid heightened concern for the safety of witnesses connected to high-profile organised crime cases. Commission officials indicated that protecting the identities of sources is essential to safeguarding ongoing investigations and future witnesses. The Port Shepstone cocaine theft, involving more than half a tonne of the drug, remains under investigation by law enforcement and has broad implications for organised crime operations in KwaZulu-Natal and nationally.

Justice Madlanga is expected to deliver a conclusive ruling on the in-camera application after receiving any submissions from the media, with the aim of balancing public interest against pressing security concerns around Witness M’s testimony.

The commission will announce the outcome of the application after the 7 May deadline.