By Johnathan Paoli
Witness F has withdrawn his urgent application in the North Gauteng High Court, seeking to block his appearance before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, clearing the way for him to return to the witness stand on Monday.
The partially in-camera witness had approached the High Court in a bid to interdict the Commission from compelling his testimony and from displaying WhatsApp exchanges extracted from his cellphone.
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Through his legal representatives, Witness F argued that the use of the messages and his continued testimony could infringe on his constitutional right against self-incrimination.
The urgent application was set down to be heard this week, just days before his scheduled second appearance before the Commission.
However, the court challenge was abandoned after the Commission proceeded with his testimony last week and began presenting the WhatsApp communications in question during the hearings.
The development marks a significant turn in the ongoing inquiry, which is investigating explosive allegations involving senior law enforcement figures and alleged criminal networks.
Witness F has featured prominently in recent testimony.
He was previously identified in CCTV footage captured at the home of alleged cartel member Katiso “KT” Molefe.
The footage, shown during Commission proceedings, depicts Witness F leaving Molefe’s residence carrying a bag, a detail that has drawn sharp scrutiny from evidence leaders.
The Commission, chaired by former Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, has been examining the nature of relationships between certain police officials and individuals alleged to be involved in organised criminal activities.
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The WhatsApp exchanges extracted from Witness F’s phone form part of the Commission’s efforts to establish communication patterns and possible coordination between implicated parties.
It remains unclear whether Witness F will raise further legal objections when he resumes testimony.
However, with the urgent application now withdrawn, there is no immediate legal impediment to his appearance.
Proceedings are expected to resume on Monday, when Witness F returns to the stand for continued questioning.
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