Witness G's evidence heard behind closed doors out of fears

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry resolved on Wednesday to hear the testimony of a crime intelligence officer known as Witness G behind closed doors for safety reasons.

- RAPULA MOATSHE

THE presideing officeres in the Madlanga Commission.

(OUPA MOKOENA Independent Newspapers)

This makes the witness the second person since the commission started 100 days ago to testify fully in-camera.

The commission's proceedings got off to a slow start on Wednesday morning after a 30-minute delay due to technical issues.

When the hearing finally resumed the witness expressed concern about reading her statement into the record, saying it would disclose information that would reveal her identity

She also opted to withhold the names of people she dealt with, saying their disclosure would identify her.

Evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC expressed concern regarding the witness's stance, saying it would make it difficult to question her later about her relationship with those individuals.

He asked the commission to decide whether the hearing should be held completely in-camera or remain partially in-camera, with only audio streamed to the public.