By: Xolani Khumalo
The Madlanga Commission, which is probing allegations of political interference in the justice system, has postponed the testimony of Witness F until next month after he was hospitalised.
Chief evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson told the inquiry that an application for a postponement had been submitted and was supported by a medical certificate confirming the witness’s condition.
Although the witness had requested an open-ended delay, the commission’s chairperson, Mbuyiseli Madlanga, ruled that the matter would be postponed to a specific date. The new date currently coincides with the final scheduled day of the commission’s proceedings.
Justice Madlanga indicated that while the commission was sympathetic to the witness’s health concerns, it was also mindful of the need to conclude its work within a reasonable timeframe.
The commission was established to investigate claims of undue political influence and interference in prosecutorial and judicial processes. Its findings are expected to have significant implications for public confidence in the independence of South Africa’s justice system.
