WATCH | Witness F testifies at Madlanga Commission despite initial refusal
Witness F, through his legal team, told the Madlanga Commission that he will not testify until his urgent court application against him is finalised.
However there has been a turnaround with the witness taking the stand
The witness’s lawyer, Hatley Ngoato, also told the commission that his client will only listen in and not participate.
“My client is definitely not going to testify until the application is finalised,” he said.
Witness F is on the line, listening to arguments from both parties.
Asked by the commissioner, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, whether he will testify or not, the witness F said, “I can confirm.”
This was his indication that he would not participate in the commission.
In terms of Section 6 of the commission, if the witness refuses to testify, it is deemed an offence.
IOL understands that Witness F has launched an urgent court application to again postpone his long-awaited testimony.
Witness F, a senior police officer, is alleged to have acted as the money collector for suspended SAPS Deputy National Commissioner Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya.
His evidence is regarded as central to the commission’s work.
However, witness F confirmed with the commission that he will not testify until his application is finalised at the High Court.
On Friday, his appearance was delayed after his legal team told the inquiry he was not ready to testify, citing insufficient time to study a voluminous bundle of documents.
Commission chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga granted the postponement, stressing the need for fairness and due process.
“The matter is postponed to Tuesday next week,” Madlanga said.
But when proceedings resumed on Tuesday, Witness F’s legal team, led by advocate Hartley Ngoato, sought another postponement.
Arguments were still underway at the time of publication.
The delay comes as the commission continues to examine explosive evidence about how the alleged criminal tycoon, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, allegedly paid large sums of money to senior figures.
The commission is underway.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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