The Madlanga Commission was adjourned again on Monday morning following an application by media houses to stop the proceedings from being held behind closed doors.

Commissioner Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga said he would give the media houses and the commission’s evidence leaders until 9 pm on Monday to file their written arguments.

“We will adjourn and await,” Madlanga said.

Evidence leaders have applied for parts of the witness testimony to be heard in a closed session, but the media houses opposed the application.

This is after the commission released a statement that the next testimony will be a closed session.

The commission’s Chief Evidence Leader, Adv. Matthew Chaskalson SC confirmed that the evidence leaders and commissioners have agreed to submit their response by 5 pm on Monday.

The submission will include any written argument intended to assist the commission in its deliberations.

Chaskalson further indicated that the media houses’ legal team, led by Charles du Plessis of Philip de Klerk Attorneys, has been asked to file any written submissions by the same deadline.

“We are in the Commission’s hands,” said Chaskalson.

Chaskalson said they were comfortable for the commissioners to make a ruling based on the papers filed, and also to communicate the decision so that the commission can continue on Tuesday, whether in camera or in open session. 

Speaking on behalf of the media houses, Du Plessis confirmed their intention to oppose the current form of the proposed order.

“We are likewise in the Commission’s hands should it decide to hear oral arguments tomorrow. We are already preparing our submissions and will finalise them promptly, taking into account any materials received from the evidence leaders.”

Both parties have indicated their readiness to proceed efficiently, to support the Commission’s timely decision-making.

Further sessions will be scheduled once the presiding authorities decide on the application, Madlanga said. 

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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