Concerns over witnesses safety forces delay

The commission of inquiry into taxi violence was dealt a blow when the security of two witnesses who were due to testify on Monday 2 February became a concern and forced the commission chair to adjourn proceedings.

The commission, which sits at the Emoyeni Conference Centre in Parktown, is investigating violence, fatalities and instability in the minibus taxi industry.

The adjourned sitting was the first in which the commission would have heard testimonies from those widowed by the violence in the taxi industry. The lengthy delay was a clear indication something was wrong.

After 2 pm, the commission chair, Justice Jeremiah Shongwe, descended from his chambers accompanied by commissioners Lungile Mabece, Hlula Msimang and evidence leader Tebogo Mafafo.

Justice Shongwe said: “Due to the nature of the evidence that the two witnesses were expected to present, the commission decided to adjourn their evidence and we will reconvene at a date that will be announced.

“The sensitivity of their evidence is such that the commission must be fully prepared before they can present their evidence in order to ensure that everyone is safe and sound.”

Commission spokesperson Koena Moabelo told the media: “There is information which came through only this morning which the judge felt might compromise the safety of witnesses.”

The commission has heard testimonies from directors from the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, and also the department’s MEC, Jacob Mamabolo. 

Sources close to the commission told Daily Maverick the two witnesses who were due to testify on Monday had asked to testify in camera. This could be one of the main reasons why the sitting was adjourned. 

The testimony of the widows was expected to reveal whether or not they inherited their husbands’ taxi businesses, what the current state of the businesses is, how they are surviving and the safety of their families. DM