Partial victory for whistle-blower in protection spat
THE SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has vowed to continue fighting to secure the most suitable form of state-funded protection for corruption whistle-blower Thabiso Zulu, pictured.
It scored what could be viewed as a half-victory yesterday in litigation it pursued on Zulu’s behalf.
Judge Jody Kollapen ruled in the North Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, yesterday that Zulu should temporarily be placed under witness protection pending assessments on the threats he faces and negotiations on the appropriate protection.
Zulu and the SAHRC went to the court on an urgent basis to seek an order compelling the state to supply him private bodyguards, as recommended in a State Security Agency (SSA) report.
The State, via Police Minister Bheki Cele and National Police Commissioner Khehla Sitole, wanted Zulu to be placed in a place of safety.
Judge Kollapen’s ruling took the middle ground in the dispute, by compelling the parties to negotiate.
An ANC member in KwaZulu-Natal, Zulu lived in fear of hitmen. “For a very long time he’s literally been in hiding,” his advocate, Mvuyo Ndziba, told the court.
The danger to his life reportedly became heightened after he gave evidence about corruption in Umzimkhulu local municipality and the 2017 murder of councillor Sindiso Magaqa at the Moerane inquiry into the political killings in KZN. There was an attempt on his life last October, when he was shot once in the arm during an ambush in Copesville, Pietermaritzburg.
Said Judge Kollapen: “I’m satisfied that the applicant faces a threat to his life and he’s in need of protection.”
The SAHRC will facilitate the discussions between Zulu and the government, its chief executive Tseliso Thipanyane told The Star following the ruling.
He said the commission and Zulu would hear about the form of the temporary witness protection the State would offer.
He maintained the SAHRC would seek the most appropriate protection during the discussions. “If there’s no agreement …we’ll then have to come back to court.” |