Security experts raise questions over Witness E's safety after explosive Madlanga Commission testimony
Witness E testified this week before the Madlanga Commission led by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga (centre).
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
Concerns have been raised about the safety of Witness E, who testified at the Madlanga Commission this week amid fears he can be identified.
Security experts are calling for enhanced security measures following his explosive testimony. Other experts are concerned that because his voice was not masked during the testimony, this has left him vulnerable to being identified.
The concerns about Witness E come as another witness, later identified as Marius van der Merwe, testified to the Commission in secret but was murdered.
Witness E, who is currently in witness protection and is a member of the SAPS crime intelligence unit, testified at the Madlanga Commission on Monday and made damning revelations, including that the police were involved in the murder of ANC leader in uMzimkhulu, Sindiso Magaqa.
He also revealed that the police knew in advance that there was a plot to kill Magaqa, and yet not only did the police fail to act to protect Magaqa, they actively participated in his murder.
Security expert Dr Johan Burger said a stricter security protocol should have been in place when Witness E testified.
“The fact that he is in witness protection is a good thing, as that means that he is protected by the officials there, but it is a concern to me that his voice is clear and audible. I do not understand why the Commission did not use a scrambler to disguise his voice. His voice is clearly identifiable; even a disgruntled relative can easily recognise him.”
Retired SAPS Major-General Jeremy Veary emphasised that the most important aspect is ensuring the security of Witness E.
“Securing Witness E is crucial. One would hope that if the current threat level is assessed, there should be a reassessment of the threat even within the Witness Protection Programme to tighten and evaluate measures. Given what he knows and the role he played, extensive tightening of security measures will be necessary,” he said.
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