Madlanga Commission Rules Secret Police Handler Witness G May Testify Remotely With Voice Alteration
- The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry heard a request for Witness G's testimony to be heard remotely, and with his voice altered
- The witness, only known as a secret police handler, reportedly runs a high-risk unit, and his identity could compromise informants and operations
- Brown Mogotsi previously testified that he was an agent who received orders from a handler, but he didn't reveal who that person was
Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has ruled that the testimony of Witness G, a secret police handler, will be heard via virtual broadcast.
The decision was made after the legal team for Witness G requested that his testimony be delivered remotely with voice alteration in place.
Following the request, the Commission ruled that only commissioners, evidence leaders, commission staff, and the witness’s legal team will be permitted to be present during the testimony. Journalists will be barred from physically attending the proceedings.
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Why was a request made for virtual testimony?
Witness G’s lawyer, Tshepo Matlala, told the commission that his client runs a high-risk unit and thus being publicly seen or heard could compromise informants and operations.
Witness G’s application requested electronic voice alteration to be used to disguise his identity, while allowing audio broadcast of proceedings. The evidence leader, Advocate Matthew Chaskalson, did not oppose the request. He, however, noted that some questions might inadvertently reveal the identity of Witness G.
His lawyer cited significant safety risks associated with his role in the unit and his close work with informants. Brown Mogotsi previously claimed he was an agent with a handler but would not disclose the handler's identity.
South Africans discuss Witness G’s identity
Social media users weighed in on the Commission’s decision to grant Witness G’s request, with some raising concern that he will be identified anyway, like other witnesses were.
Phila Ntombela said:
“And again, Sbiya will come and reveal the identity of the witness.”
Ole Mo-Aforika Borwa Legote stated:
“Someone will end up snitching his identity somehow.”
Bhuti Musa added:
“Once they hide a witness, you must know the can of worms is going to be opened.”
Michael Moeti noted:
“We eventually ended up knowing the identity of Witness D and F.”
Anunnaki Peace said:
“I'm sure the witness has promised to spill the beans. Malema and Sibiya are in trouble.”
What you need to know about Mogotsi
- Police Minister Senzo Mchunu confirms that he knew Mogotsi, but that he was only a comrade.
- General Mkhwanazi discussed how Mogotsi reached out to him with information about police operations.
- Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo shared screenshots of Mogotsi’s conversations with Vuzimusi Matlala.
- In October 2025, the Madlanga Commission gave a deadline to Mogotsi to respond to the serious allegations against him.
- The Madlanga Commission expressed concern about witness safety following the alleged assassination attempt on Mogotsi.
Mogotsi unhappy with the evidence leader
Briefly News reported that Mogotsi took issue with Matthew Chaskalson's comment about him before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
The commission's evidence leader said that Mogotsi was a professional liar after he admitted to lying on certain occasions.
Social media users were amused by the North West businessman's comments about the evidence leader.
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Source: Briefly News
