Madlanga Commission orders closed-door testimony for Witness S

The Madlanga Commission has ordered a witness known only as “Witness S” to testify behind closed doors, with strict restrictions preventing the publication of the witness’s identity and other potentially identifying information.

In a ruling issued on Thursday, 8 October 2026, commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga directed that Witness S appear to give evidence in camera on a date to be determined by the chairperson.

The order also prohibits the publication of the witness’s identity, occupation or any other details that could reveal who they are.

The decision means the testimony will not be accessible to the public in the same way as the commission’s open hearings.

Strict confidentiality rules imposed

The commission has placed firm restrictions on access to and the distribution of material connected to the closed proceedings.

According to commission secretary Dr Nolitha Vukuza, transcripts, recordings and other documents relating to the testimony must remain confidential unless the chairperson authorises their release.

Those granted access are prohibited from publishing, broadcasting or otherwise making the material available to the public without permission.

Attendance will be restricted to commissioners, evidence leaders, designated legal representatives and selected commission officials.

The ruling also condoned the evidence leaders’ failure to meet the commission’s prescribed timelines when submitting the application for the closed hearing.

Witness S had been scheduled to appear before the commission on 7 October.

Feroz Khan testimony postponed after family shooting

The decision comes amid other disruptions to the commission’s ongoing investigation into alleged criminality, political interference and corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system.

Earlier this week, the commission postponed the testimony of Crime Intelligence official Feroz Khan following the fatal shooting of his uncle-in-law, Preggy Padayachee.

Khan appeared remotely before the commission in a closed session on Tuesday morning, but his testimony was postponed.

His participation had already been delayed after he failed to attend proceedings on 28 September, despite being offered the option of testifying virtually following an independent medical assessment.

Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirmed that Khan had been excused from testifying.

Preggy Padayachee killed in suspected hit

Padayachee was shot dead on the R21 near Griffiths Road in Ekurhuleni on the evening of Monday, 5 October 2026.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting have prompted speculation that it may have been a targeted killing, although the investigation must establish what happened.

The shooting has added another development to the series of delays and disputes surrounding testimony before the Madlanga Commission.

With Witness S now set to testify under strict confidentiality conditions, the commission will determine when the closed proceedings take place and whether any information can subsequently be made public.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com

Source: The Citizen