Acting regional head of the provincial witness protection unit, Magarete Kgosana, told delegates at an anti-corruption conference held today in Bloemfontein that they are working closely with authorities to ensure that the witness protection programme is a success. 

She says their biggest priority remains the safety of witnesses and their families. However, she states that some witnesses believe they are above the law and commit crimes while under witness protection.  

"Some witnesses think because they are in the protection program they can commit crimes and get away with it. That is not the case, we follow the law as the witness protection unit,” she says.

The witness protection is voluntary and witnesses are clearly briefed about the process before agreeing to be part of the programme.  The admission process begins after the unit receives the call from authorities. The second phase is witness management, which will include salaries, accommodation, and training. 

Kgosana says they do not buy houses for people, but only provides safe accommodation up until witnesses complete their  testimony.  The programme does not provide bodyguards and witnesses will only be relocated after a threat assessment. However, protection is provided when going to court and while the court is in session.

Covid-19 is remains a major concern as is the cost of safe accommodation for witnesses. If places of safety are outside the province, it escalates the cost of travelling for the unit’s case workers. The programme also allows for payment of an allowances. If the witness is working.

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