The Ad Hoc Committee has undertaken to find out the reasons for the inadequate security arrangements for former NPA senior prosecutor Advocate Michel Mashuga, who is a witness testifying before the committee on Wednesday.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has raised serious concerns regarding the inadequate security provisions for former senior State advocate Michael Mashuga, who is testifying before the Ad Hoc Committee.
Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga from the NPA disclosed on Wednesday that Mashuga requested security measures for his upcoming appearance.
“All that was provided was a driver. Nothing to his security was addressed. He brought it to my attention yesterday,” Mhaga said.
He also said he had escalated the matter with the committee secretariat and to evidence leader on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.
“Up to now, no indication of the matter has been addressed, and to us, that is a concern,” said Mhaga.
This was after evidence leader Advocate Norman Arendse informed the committee why Mashuga had not disclosed his current position, employment, and address in his affidavit.
Arendse said Mashuga was a senior State advocate who prosecuted high-profile matters, which included some successfully convicted accused who now serve prison terms.
“One is the notorious rhino horn matter he prosecuted, and threats were made to him and the investigating officer. The investigating officer was murdered. He is concerned about his security and safety,” he said.
Committee Chairperson, Soviet Lekganyane, said they would solicit an explanation on what was happening while proceedings were under way.
This was after he enquired whether the security arrangement for Mashuga had been sorted out, and a commitment was made by Parliament in that regard.
According to Arendse, Mashuga will give evidence related to the well-known and notorious Kameeldrift rhino case that was referenced in the Ad Hoc Committee in the evidence by former IPID head Robert McBride, forensic fraud examiner Paul O’Sullivan, and former acting national commissioner Khomotso Phahlane.
Mashuga, who was the prosecutor in the case, has been authorised by National Director of Public Prosecutions Andy Mothibi to give evidence on the case that was withdrawn and not re-enrolled after it was struck off the roll nearly a decade ago.
The case dates back to the 2014 arrest of a rhino poaching syndicate that was allegedly involved in killing 22 rhinos and stealing 84 horns estimated at R22 million.
Earlier, the parties represented in the Ad Hoc Committee sent their heartfelt condolences to the family of the late COPE leader Mosiuoa Lekota, who died on Wednesday morning after a long illness.
ANC MP Khusela Sangoni-Diko said her party will always hold Lekota in high regard for the role he played in the ANC and the liberation Struggle.
“We wish them (the Lekota family) strength during this difficult time of bereavement,” said Sangoni-Diko.
MK Party MP Sibonelo Nomvalo said those who speak well usually say “there is one day we don’t know”.
“We say God has taken what belongs to him,” Nomvalo said.
DAMP Dianne Kohler-Barnard described Lekota as someone who at times was positively presidential.
Kohler-Barnard said the former MP, already missed by the National Legislature, would be missed by his family.
She recalled when she marched alongside him for the protection of farmers, while Patriotic Alliance MP Ashley Sauls quoted a scripture in the Bible and wished God to comfort his family.
EFF MP Leigh-Ann Mathys said Lekota spent a large part of his life on Robben Island.
“We appreciate his contribution that has brought us all to be able to sit here in Parliament. May his fighting spirit live in us,” she said.
Freedom Front Plus MP Wouter Wessels said despite political differences, Lekota treated everybody with respect.
“He made a huge contribution to South Africa, democracy, and to opposition parties,” said Wessels.