{
  "id": 13004022,
  "title": "Madlanga Commission orders secret testimony for ‘Witness S’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/madlanga-commission-orders-secret-testimony-for-witness-s",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-09T02:21:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/madlanga-commission-orders-secret-testimony-witness-s/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Madlanga Commission investigating allegations of criminal activity, political influence, and corruption within the criminal justice system has decided to hold the testimony of an individual known only as \"Witness S\" in closed session. This decision was announced by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga on Thursday, 8 October 2026. The commission mandated that Witness S must appear for questioning at a date yet to be decided by the chairperson. Furthermore, the commission prohibited any disclosure of Witness S's identity, profession, or any information that could potentially reveal their identity. Commission secretary Dr Nolitha Vukuza emphasized that all in-camera proceedings, including transcripts, recordings, and related documents, would be treated as confidential. Access to such materials would be restricted to authorized individuals only, with a clear prohibition against publishing, broadcasting, or disseminating any material related to the proceedings without explicit authorization from the Chairperson.\n\nNon-compliance with these rules would result in consequences. Only a select group of commissioners, evidence leaders, designated legal representatives, and chosen commission officials would be permitted to attend the proceedings. The ruling also acknowledged the delay in the evidence leaders' submission of their application for Witness S's appearance. Witness S was originally set to testify before the commission on 7 October 2026. However, the commission's proceedings were recently interrupted due to the unexpected postponement of Crime Intelligence official Feroz Khan's testimony. Khan initially faced a tragic personal incident when his uncle-in-law, Preggy Padayachee, was fatally shot on the R21 near Griffiths Road, Ekurhuleni, on 5 October 2026. Khan was scheduled to appear before the commission remotely before opting for an in-camera session on Tuesday morning. The delay in Khan's testimony followed a series of delays and disputes over his participation. Khan was granted a virtual appearance after undergoing an independent medical assessment, but he ultimately failed to attend the proceedings on 28 September. Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirmed that Khan was excused from testifying in person. The shooting of Preggy Padayachee remains under investigation, with authorities suspecting foul play.",
  "summary": "The commission also prohibited the publication of Witness S's identity.",
  "key_points": [
    "Madlanga Commission orders secret testimony for Witness S.",
    "Testimony to be held in closed session, identity protected.",
    "Non-compliance leads to consequences and limited attendance."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Madlanga Commission's decision to hold Witness S's testimony in closed session suggests that the inquiry is treating certain evidence with a high level of sensitivity, potentially shielding influential or vulnerable individuals.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}