In a shocking development, the Madlanga Commission has halted the live testimony of the highly sensitive witness X, citing security threats that could endanger the witness’s life.

The commission revealed on Tuesday that technical issues compromised the safety of Witness X, forcing an emergency ruling to stop proceedings as planned.

“We ran into technical difficulties that had the potential of endangering the safety of Witness X,” the Commission confirmed in an official statement.

“Transparency cannot be at the risk of endangering a witness’s safety.”

The decision, reached by agreement earlier in the day, means Witness X will no longer continue giving evidence in person. Instead, the evidence leader will read the witness’s full statement into the record.

Witness X was expected to deliver testimony linked to explosive corruption allegations in the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The commission admitted the ruling may raise concerns, but insisted that witness protection takes top priority.

“The commission values and respects transparency,” the statement read, “but not at the cost of human life. We must now adopt a different format for how this evidence is presented.”

The commission will announce later how and when questions related to witness X’s testimony will be dealt with.

Earlier on, the commission had to adjourn the session due to technical difficulties.

The commission has resumed but the witness will no longer continue.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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