Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga ruled on 1 June 2026 that Lieutenant-Colonel Duma may testify via audio link with his name published but identity protected.
The ruling followed an application by Duma on 8 May 2026, in which he expressed fears that full public exposure could endanger him or his family. Daily Maverick and Media24 opposed a request for entirely closed proceedings, arguing for maximum openness consistent with witness safety.
Madlanga stated that the arrangement balanced safety concerns with the need for public access to evidence. He said the compromise ensured that justice is seen to be done while protecting the undercover operative.
Duma is scheduled to give evidence on 2 June 2026 about the theft of cocaine worth R200-million from a Hawks property in KwaZulu-Natal. The media may not publish visuals revealing his face. The Madlanga Commission was established in July 2025 to investigate corruption and criminal infiltration in law enforcement.
