Key Madlanga witness seeks in‑camera hearing, says they fear for life

A key witness at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has asked to give evidence behind closed doors, saying they fear for their life and for the safety of their family. The request was made in affidavits filed with the commission and is expected to be ruled on before testimony begins on 23 June at the Brigitte Mabandla Judicial College in Pretoria.

Application and grounds

Attorney Vumile Vundla of Diale Mogashoa Attorneys filed a supporting affidavit on 20 June 2026 confirming he is authorised to act for the commission and explaining the basis for the request that an inspector with the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) give evidence in camera.

Vundla said the witness “has expressed that they are fearful of giving evidence publicly as they fears for their life and that of their family.” He warned the inspector’s evidence is expected to implicate “fellow law enforcement officials and members of organised crime,” creating “a risk of some law enforcement officials seeking reprisals against them for breaking ranks and seemingly turning on one of their own.”

Witness affidavit

The inspector filed their own application on 19 June, asking that testimony be held in camera. The witness said their evidence relates to the Precious Stones Case (Hillbrow CAS 797/03/2023), in which they intend to name a senior EMPD officer, other law enforcement officials, and a civilian linked to organised crime.

In the affidavit the witness said: “This has caused me great fear and anxiety both for myself and my family.” They added, “I reside with my small school‑going children and other family members. They rely on me for financial support. I would like to shield them from any consequences of my upcoming testimony.”

The witness also warned that “their identity has already been partially exposed,” and told the commission: “An order from the Commission is necessary to prevent my full name and identity from being made public” because otherwise, “My identity will be leaked.”

Legal basis and next steps

Both affidavits note that while commission hearings are ordinarily public, Rule 4 of the Commission’s regulations allows for in‑camera proceedings where good cause is shown. Vundla said the legal team believes the application meets the requirements of Rule 4 and asked “that the chairperson make an order… that the name and face of the witness accordingly not be disclosed.”

The witness described the request as made “in the interests of justice, as it will allow me to help the commission but also protect my identity.” The chairperson and commissioners are expected to rule on the application before testimony begins on 23 June.

About the inquiry

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is probing criminality, political interference and corruption in the Criminal Justice System.