Issued by: Department of Justice
During the SABC-TV news on Wednesday evening, 4 May 1997, it was alleged that two state witnesses in the above-mentioned court case were killed and the impression was created that, had the witnesses been placed on the witness protection programme by the Department of Justice, they would not have been killed. So as to place the matter and the Witness Protection Programme in perspective, the following should be borne in mind:
1. The two state witnesses who were apparently killed were not on the Witness Protection Programme. BECAUSE THE SAPS BELIEVED THEY COULD BE IN DANGER, THEY WERE APPROACHED TO BE PLACED ON THE WITNESS PROTECTION PROGRAMME.
2. However, THE WITNESSES DECLINED TO BE PLACED ON THE PROGRAMME on the grounds that they were in the service of their respective communities and that they would be protected by their communities.
3. The one witness who did agree initially to go on the Witness Protection Programme, later requested to be temporarily released to meet with his family. He never returned and his whereabouts are currently unknown.
4. No person/witness can be forced to go on the Witness Protection Programme. It is a voluntary initiative whereby persons who are deemed to be in danger are protected if conjunction and co-operation between the SAPS and the Department of Justice. IF A PERSON REFUSES TO BE PROTECTED OR PLACES HIS/HER OWN LIFE IN DANGER, NOTWITHSTANDING BEING WARNED OF IMPENDING POSSIBLE DANGER, AND SOMETHING HAPPENS TO THAT PERSON, IT CANNOT BE LAID AT THE DOOR OF THE SAPS OR THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.
5. Attached also please find further information on the Witness Protection Programme which should help shed light regarding the operation of the Programme.
ISSUED BY THE CHIEF DIRECTORATE: COMMUNICATION, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
PRETORIA 10 JUNE 1997