Certain evidence heard at Madlanga Commission may not be publicised

JOHANNESBURG - Certain evidence heard at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into alleged interference in the criminal justice system may not be for public consumption.

Over and above being heard in-camera, no transcripts of the evidence will be made available to the media or the public.

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This was revealed during a media briefing in Johannesburg on Monday, where it was outlined that such evidence could relate to undercover operatives and informants who infiltrate the criminal underworld on behalf of police.

One of the evidence leaders for the Madlanga Commission believes there will be evidence that the commission hears that won’t be made public.

Advocate Matthew Chaskalson, who was part of the evidence leaders of the Zondo Commission into State capture, spoke to the media during a briefing in Pretoria on Monday.

“Some of the evidence we gather will include evidence from undercover agents who have been placed in criminal syndicates by the SAPS [South African Police Service] and who the SAPS use in their attempts to break these criminals’ syndicates. So, now if the identity of these people is disclosed, there is a very real risk they will be killed.”

Chaskalson said while they are committed to transparency, they have to prioritise the protection of witnesses.

“Our first commitment must always be to the protection of human life.”

The commission will probe allegations that organised crime has infiltrated and captured members of the criminal justice system.