Witness wants out of Coligny case
Pressure, depression taking its toll on man
A key witness in the Coligny murder case where two white men are accused of killing a black teenager wants to pull out of witness protection due to illness.
The man, who was the only witness to the alleged killing of Matlhomola Mosweu, 16, in Coligny, North West, by the two men in May, was put into witness protection for his own safety after he agreed to testify against the accused, Phillip Schutte and Pieter Doorewaard.
However, the witness who claimed to have seen the two accused allegedly assault Mosweu, who later died as a result of injuries, may put the case in jeopardy.
The witness told Sowetan that the doctor sent to examine him said he was suffering from severe depression.
He said the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) told him that he cannot pull out as he was placed in witness protection for his own safety. The man said the NPA and police officials told him he would be seen as a hero if he continued to testify in the matter, but he said the process was making him more ill.
“I also want to expose the accused. I cannot sleep at night. I jump every time I hear a loud sound. The trauma is affecting me. I also collapse time and again.”
The man said he had been receiving counselling and medication that helps to reduce his depression levels.
“The doctor said I must just be strong as everything will be fine. I am trying but it’s hard. Sometimes I feel like I can sleep forever,” he said. “He [the doctor] said my condition is dangerous. I live under severe pressure. I don’t understand how to live my life; I feel like I am between life and death,” he said.
He admitted that he was well taken care of. His uncle said the man had also called him and told him that he wants to pull out of witness protection. “I told him that he must finish what he has started – it’s for his own safety.
“Our church pastor also spoke to him. I believe he will make it but he is the only one who is feeling the pain, there is nothing we can do,” the uncle said.
Mosweu’s death sparked violence in the farming town after angry community members said the teenager’s killing was racially motivated.
In August, the case was postponed to allow the police to conclude their investigations.
NPA spokesman Frank Lesenyego said the case was before the court. “The reason why they took him to the witness protection is that they wanted him to be there so that they can protect him.”
The case will be back in court on October 6.