Ramaphosa calls for enhanced protection of whistleblowers after attempted hit
Police are investigating an attempted murder after gunmen opened fire on a vehicle in Boksburg, with the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry confirming it has been alerted to an alleged hit on SAPS informer Wiandre Pretorius, whose name surfaced in testimony by slain witness Marius van der Merwe.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the urgent need for enhanced protection measures for whistleblowers and witnesses in high-profile cases.
Ramaphosa was reacting to an alleged attempted hit on the life of Wiandre Pretorius, a South African Police Service (SAPS) informer whose name surfaced during testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Speaking to members of the media following an engagement with South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, Ramaphosa stated: “Witnesses in high-profile cases should not be identifiable and must be better secured.”
Pretorius was implicated in evidence given by murdered whistleblower Marius van der Merwe, also known as Witness D, whose killing after appearing before the inquiry has heightened concerns around the safety of witnesses linked to the commission’s work.
“Yes, we got the news about an hour ago, and it had not happened too long before that. We are concerned about the safety of all witnesses and potential witnesses,” the commission’s spokesperson Jeremy Michaels told Newzroom Afrika.
“I should clarify that Mr Pretorius was not in the sights of the commission for the moment, and he certainly had not approached the commission with information or requests for assistance with his protection. I am aware that he is the subject of an investigation by another law enforcement agency - I wouldn’t want to get into the detail of that. We are in contact with the relevant law enforcement agencies in that regard.”
According to reports, the alleged hit was carried out by three gunmen who opened fire on Pretorius’s bakkie along Klapper Street, near Boekenhout Street in Boksburg, shortly before 10am on Thursday.
Gauteng police said they are investigating an attempted murder case following a shooting in Van Dyk Park, within the Dawn Park policing precinct.
According to a statement issued by Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, “the victim was about to drive into his residence when attacked by unknown suspects driving a white Toyota Vits. They fired shots at him before driving away. The victim escaped unharmed and the motive of the shooting is unknown at this stage. Investigations are underway.”
Pretorius and others have previously been linked to the dumping of a body in Brakpan almost four years ago. According to reports, the police watchdog, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, has since submitted the case docket to the National Director of Public Prosecutions for a decision.
Cape Times