'I am a dead person': Witness demands protection in prison wardens murder case

The first witness in the matter against five prison wardens accused of murdering an inmate has told the court he fears for his life and cannot proceed with testifying.

Siphelele Quvane told the Johannesburg Magistrates Court that he has been victimised for being a witness in this matter.

The matter dates back to 2022, when the wardens allegedly beat a prisoner, Dumisani Ngwenya, to death inside the Johannesburg prison.

The trial began on Tuesday, with Quvane as the state’s first witness.

Siphelele Quvane is known as the star witness in the matter because he opened the case against the five prison wardens after witnessing the alleged murder.

However, on Tuesday, instead of starting his testimony, he told the court he had a change of heart because he is being physically and mentally abused by other wardens.

He gave the court an ultimatum, saying either he gets witness protection or he will withdraw as a witness.

"I am saying to this court I am victimised, intimidated, to a point where they hired someone to stab me inside the prison, so as I stand here I am a dead person."

The court has adjourned to deliberate on the matter.

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