MyZA

News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff

You are here: Home / News / Whistleblowers and Witnesses Need Proper Protection

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

Category: Tag:

If you feel strongly about this article then feel free to send MyZA a ‘Letter to the Editor’ using the submission form below:

Letter to the Editor

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
If this is in response to an article please include that article title here or as the lead in for the first paragraph of your Letter below.

Separate tags with commas

Localise your letter by naming the city your words are about. Add relevant words describing your subject. Single comma separated words of no more than 5
Your Name(Required)
Your Name will be linked to the website below.
Your personal, business or social media web site
Choose NO to not set up a user account on MyZA. User Accounts will allow you to submit letters under your own Author Name

3 Latest Letters to the Editor:

  • Fun South African fact

    Dear Editor Fun South African fact: towns like Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are home to world-class wine farms set in stunning, scenic surroundings. Regards Aressa Smith In Response to/From: Luxury Properties Seized in New Lottery Crackdown

  • Condolences on the Passing of Lusanda Dumke

    Statement by Leander Kruger MPL – DA Buffalo City Constituency Leader: The Democratic Alliance in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality mourns the passing of Springbok Women’s rugby player and Mdantsane trailblazer, Lusanda Dumke, who lost her battle with cancer at the age of 28. South Africa has lost an exceptional athlete, a leader, and a source…

  • Rape Kits Delivered, But…

    Statement by Nicholas Gotsell MP – DA NCOP Member on Security & Justice: The DA can confirm that 2 840 rape kits arrived in Cape Town on Monday, following sustained DA oversight and pressure after multiple police stations across the Western Cape were found to be without this critical forensic evidence tool. While this delivery…

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Laduma! – he scores! [laa-doo-maa] This term is usually screamed out when a soccer team scores a goal. Extend any of the syllables for full effect.Example: “Laaaaaaduuuuumaaaa!”

  2. Bonus: Southern USA: You have two cows. Their milkshake brings all the bulls to the yard, and they\’re like, it\’s better than yours. Damn right, it\’s better than yours; they can teach you, though there is a charge; but if you upvote, then you won\’t be charged!