Madlanga Commission to Press Criminal Charges Over Anonymous Witness Leak

PRETORIA. In a major development at the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Corruption and Political Interference in the Criminal Justice System, Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga announced that criminal charges will be instituted against an individual who deliberately disclosed the identity of an anonymous witness.

Speaking directly from the bench during ongoing commission hearings, Justice Madlanga issued a stern warning regarding the breach, emphasizing that witness confidentiality is legally binding and vital to the inquiry’s integrity.

On the face of it, it appears that this was done deliberately, Justice Madlanga stated. In terms of the Commissions Act and this commission regulations, it is a criminal offense to act in a manner that prejudices the business of the commission. Consequently, the commission is going to institute criminal proceedings against that person.

Zero Tolerance for Witness Intimidation

The announcement comes amidst high stakes testimony involving senior officials in the police service and prosecutorial bodies, where several witnesses, including key whistleblowers, have been granted in camera protection or anonymous status due to severe safety risks and intimidation.

The disclosure of a protected witness identity threatens not only individual safety but also the broader work of the commission, which relies heavily on confidential disclosures to uncover systemic corruption, docket tampering, and political interference.

Justice Madlanga made it clear that the commission would take swift legal action to deter future breaches, stating that the commission takes this matter very seriously and simply must act in these circumstances.

The matter will be formally referred to law enforcement agencies for investigation and prosecution under the relevant provisions of the Commissions Act.