OPINION: The SIU has put measures in place to ensure the safety of witnesses and whistle-blowers. The SIU has pulled all stops to protect the identity of witnesses, writes Kaizer Kganyago.
When the Special Investigating Unit introduced its 24-hour whistle-blower hotline in 2018, the purpose was to ensure the anonymity of whistle-blowers, integrity in the whistle-blowing process, and independent audit of allegations received.
Allegations that falls within the SIU mandate are then processed for the purposes of drafting a motivation for proclamation, which authorises the SIU to use all its legislative powers to subpoena bank statements and cellphone records, search and seize evidence, and interrogate witnesses under oath in an effort to hold those responsible to account for their actions. Once the proclamation is signed by the president, the SIU can only begin with its investigations.
As President Cyril Ramaphosa stated in his weekly column From The Desk of The President dated August 30, 2021, entering witness protection is voluntary, and neither the South African Police Services and the National Prosecuting Authority can compel a witness to do so. The Witness Protection Programme has played a key role in securing successful prosecution since its inception, particularly with regards to organised crime, he said.
Furthermore, the SIU encourage witnesses to come forward and inform SIU investigators should they feel unsafe or should there be any threat to them so that steps can be taken to protect them, including invoking the Witness Protection Program that Government has in place.
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