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Whistleblowers and Witnesses Need Proper Protection

Dear Editor

The DA is deeply dismayed to learn about another witness in a criminal case being brutally shot dead, this time outside of Lenasia Magistrate’s Court. This is sadly not the first witness to be killed before testifying in a criminal case. In 2023, two witnesses were gunned down outside Randburg Magistrate’s Court. In Cape Town, a witness was gunned down outside Wynberg Magistrate Court.

These incidents are clearly on the rise. More and better care must be taken to protect witnesses who risk their lives to testify against criminals who terrorise South Africa.

Already people are afraid to come forward to give evidence, and if this trend continues, this will only get worse, making accountability nearly impossible. The NPA must look to strengthen their witness protection programmes and work closely with crime intelligence to identify threats to witnesses. The SAPS should be actively involved in identifying witnesses at risk and aiding in their protection. Even if witnesses are not in the Witness Protection Programme, there are many options available to enhance their personal safety. Simple measures can protect lives.

South Africa cannot continue to be extorted by criminals, and a stand must be taken against these acts of intimidation, intended to scare people from just doing the right thing.

Regards

Adv. Glynnis Breytenbach MP
DA Spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development

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