Johnathan Paoli
The Madlanga Commission has ruled that Witness J, a Hawks analyst, will testify behind closed doors, citing ongoing investigations and concerns for the witness’s safety.
Commission Chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga announced the decision on Thursday morning, following an application made by the witness’ legal team.
Witness J, an analyst attached to the Priority Crime Management Centre within the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), had applied for permission to testify in camera, arguing that public testimony could compromise ongoing investigations, expose investigative methodologies and place both the witness and family members at risk.
In an affidavit submitted to the commission, the witness said the evidence relates to the analysis of data extracted from suspects’ cellular phones and other digital devices linked to a bust of 715kg of cocaine, valued at R300 million, in Aeroton, south Johannesburg in 2021.
The analyst’s statement outlined how their work involved examining messages, call
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