The Madlanga Commission will on Wednesday hear the postponement of the an officer who called in sick.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
A police officer from the crime intelligence unit, who was meant to testify at the Madlanga Commission, will no longer testify after he called in sick, the commission heard.
The officer was scheduled to testify on Thursday, but the inquiry was forced to pivot after being informed of the officer’s illness.
Commissioners have raised serious concerns over the growing number of witnesses failing to appear due to medical reasons, indicating that stricter measures may soon be implemented.
Among the options under consideration is compelling medical practitioners who issue sick notes for scheduled witnesses to account for their assessments before the commission.
Co-commissioner Sesi Baloyi said that this should be addressed as it started to become a norm.
The matter came into sharp focus on Tuesday when evidence leader Mathew Chaskalson SC questioned the adequacy of a medical certificate submitted on behalf of a witness who was due to testify.
The witness’s legal representative, Matlala Attorneys, has been directed to submit a valid and satisfactory medical certificate by Thursday.
Commissioners signalled that non-compliance could result in the issuing doctor being subpoenaed to appear and provide an explanation.
“We were meant to have a police officer from Crime Intelligence, but the officer has taken ill. We will hear a postponement application at 10am,” Michaels said.
No details were provided on the nature of the illness or whether the officer would be rescheduled.
The postponement comes as the commission has been probing allegations involving politicians, police officers and alleged cartel members. These people have been accused of infiltrating the SAPS and Judiciary.
The officer’s anticipated testimony was expected to add crucial detail to matters already under sharp scrutiny.
The development follows tense and closely watched testimony from suspended SAPS deputy national commissioner Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya, whose testimony drew sharp exchanges and significant admissions.
Sibiya conceded to knowing the alleged cartel member, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, and inviting him to a family event, while denying allegations of corruption and improper influence.
He also rejected claims that he instructed the sharing of sensitive police documents, including a warrant relating to blogger Musa Khawula.
A new witness is expected to take the stand on Thursday.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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