Brown Mogotsi misses scheduled appearance at the Madlanga Commission, citing illness without a medical certificate. Officials warn stricter measures could follow.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry faced another delay after one of its expected witnesses, Brown Mogotsi, reported that he was too ill to attend on Monday, March 2.
Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirmed that Mogotsi did not provide a medical certificate and warned that the Commission could request an arrest warrant if needed. He also cautioned that medical professionals who issue fraudulent certificates may face consequences.
“The commissioners, through Justice Madlanga, have clearly indicated that they are not going to tolerate witnesses coming up with last minute illnesses and they certainly are taking it very seriously to the extent that the Commission has the option to find that he is in contempt. The Commission will deal with that on Wednesday morning. Depending on what transpires between now and then, the Commission does have the option of applying for a warrant of arrest for Mr Mogotsi if that is necessary,” Michaels said.
Michaels stated that the hearing scheduled for Wednesday would also address Mogotsi's absence on Monday and determine the next steps regarding his non-appearance.
Mogotsi has until the close of business today to produce a sick certificate.
Michaels emphasised that this marks the third instance of claimed illness delaying proceedings, alongside similar cases involving Witness F and a crime intelligence officer.
Despite the setback, Michaels said the Commission is continuing with administrative tasks and legal discussions behind the scenes. However, the missed testimony does affect the carefully planned schedule, potentially requiring adjustments to deadlines and the Commission’s terms of reference.
The Commission will resume on Wednesday to hear testimony of Major-General Richard Shibiri, who has been accused of attempting to interfere in the murder case of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart in April 2012.