Ramaphosa Vows Tighter Security for Madlanga Commission Witnesses After Pretorius Targeted
President Cyril Ramaphosa has promised to take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of all witnesses appearing before the Madlanga Commission, following an alarming incident in which a key witness was targeted.
On Tuesday, Advocate Ntuthuzelo Vanara, the evidence leader of the commission, was intercepted by unknown assailants while on his way to the commission’s offices. The attackers, who were armed with guns, attempted to force Vanara off the road and threatened him before fleeing the scene.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of witnesses who are testifying before the commission, which is investigating allegations of state capture and corruption in the public sector.
In response, President Ramaphosa has assured the nation that the government will not tolerate any attempts to intimidate or harm witnesses. He has pledged to take all necessary measures to safeguard the integrity of the commission and ensure that witnesses can testify without fear of reprisal.
“The Madlanga Commission is a crucial part of our efforts to root out corruption in our country and restore public trust in our institutions. We cannot allow anyone to disrupt or undermine this process,” said President Ramaphosa.
The President has also directed the relevant law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
“We will not hesitate to take strong action against anyone who seeks to obstruct the work of the commission or threaten the safety of its witnesses,” he added.
The Madlanga Commission was established by President Ramaphosa in March 2018 to investigate allegations of state capture and corruption following widespread public outcry and calls for accountability. The commission is chaired by retired Justice Raymond Zondo and is expected to submit its final report and recommendations to the President by January 2021.
Since its inception, the commission has heard testimony from numerous witnesses, including prominent figures in the public and private sectors. The evidence presented has shed light on the extent of corruption and maladministration that has plagued the country for years and has sparked widespread outrage and demands for justice.
In light of the recent incident, the commission has taken additional security measures to ensure the safety of its witnesses and staff. These measures include increased security personnel and surveillance, as well as providing witnesses with protective measures such as security escorts and safe houses.
President Ramaphosa has emphasized the importance of protecting the identities of witnesses who fear for their safety, stating that their courage in coming forward must be respected and honored.
“We owe it to these brave individuals to ensure that they are protected and that their voices are heard without fear or intimidation,” he said.
The President has also called on all South Africans to support the work of the commission and to have faith in its ability to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable.
“We must stand together in the fight against corruption and work towards building a better, more transparent and accountable society for all,” he concluded.
In a time where corruption and state capture have eroded the public’s trust in the government and its institutions, the Madlanga Commission represents a beacon of hope for the future of our country. With President Ramaphosa’s unwavering commitment to ensuring its success, we can look forward to a brighter and more just South Africa.
