Madlanga witness fears open testimony could get him and his sources killed

An undercover SAPS Crime Intelligence operative who has been mentioned at the Madlanga Commission has applied to testify in camera next week, saying open testimony could put his life and the lives of his family and sources at risk.

The witness, who works in Durban, said in a redacted application published by the commission that he has a well founded and genuine fear for his physical safety and the safety of his family. He asked that his testimony be heard in camera and that his identity be shielded from the public.

He said he interacts with criminalised sources and undercover agents, and that public exposure would compromise the integrity of intelligence operations. He explained that his legend has to blend in so he is not identified as a policeman, to protect his identity, the people he meets, and the information or operation.

The commission will resume on Monday and will hear evidence on police drug seizures, including 541 kilograms of cocaine seized in Durban in June 2021 with a street value of R250 million. It will also hear testimony about the theft of those drugs from Hawks offices in Port Shepstone in November 2021.

The witness said there is a risk of cartels associating his name with recoveries that have caused a big hole in their wallets. He said they will attack him without sending a warning as soon as they put a face to his name. He cited murders linked to missing drugs, including those of DJ Sumbody and his bodyguards, Sandile DJ Citi Lyst Mkhize, Thulani Heavy P Msimango and Hector Ginimbi Buthelezi.

According to a supporting affidavit, the witness provided intelligence that led to the Port Shepstone seizure and was present at the crime scene. He also said his work includes undercover operations related to cash in transit heists, business robberies and murders.

He said anyone seen with him will be killed because he has been seen on TV testifying. He added that his name being mentioned at the commission has put his life in danger and exposed him to cartels smuggling drugs through Durban Harbour.

The commission is scheduled to rule on the application on Tuesday. Commission attorney Yajana Kilawan said the legal team believes a balance can be struck by allowing the witness to give evidence via audio link without revealing his face.

In December last year, a witness known as Marius van der Merwe was gunned down outside his home just weeks after giving in camera testimony at the commission. A former special task force member has been arrested for that murder.