Witness D’s Murder - Whistleblower Protection Under Fire

Loading player...
It’s a story that shook the country. A key witness from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, known only as Witness D, was gunned down outside his Brakpan home, ambushed with an AK-47 after stepping out to open his gate. He had no state protection. His killing has pierced his anonymity and reignited urgent questions about how South Africa treats whistleblowers. Even President Ramaphosa says government must “redouble” efforts to keep them safe. Phemelo speaks to Public Interest SA chairperson, Tebogo Khaas, about what this brazen murder tells us about the risk of speaking truth to power in South Africa.
8 Dec 2025 4PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Legal Matters: Who is liable when potholes cause accidents?

Can you claim damages if a pothole causes an accident? This week on Legal Matters, legal expert Nthabiseng Dubazana unpacks a case involving a motorcycle accident linked to poor road conditions and answers some of your pressing legal questions. From liability to compensation, we break down what the law says…
10 Jun 4PM 57 min

JOSHCO crackdown uncovers overcrowding and illegal occupation in Hillbrow

A City of Johannesburg operation targeting social housing violations has revealed severe overcrowding and illegal occupation in some inner-city buildings. Officials found around 80 people living in a Hillbrow property designed for just 40 residents, while concerns over subletting and lost rental income continue to mount. Refiloe Mpakanyane discusses the…
10 Jun 4PM 17 min

Soweto Uprising at 50: How place names keep history alive

As South Africa marks 50 years since the Soweto Uprising, attention is turning to how the country remembers its liberation history beyond annual commemorations. From streets and schools to monuments and public spaces, geographical names play a powerful role in preserving the stories of those who shaped the struggle for…
10 Jun 4PM 10 min

Home Affairs birth registration backlog heads to court

Thousands of children remain without birth certificates due to delays in South Africa’s late birth registration system - and now the matter is heading to court. The Western Cape High Court is set to hear a landmark case brought by the Children’s Institute and affected parents, who argue that Home…
10 Jun 4PM 16 min

Employers face hefty fines in new crackdown on undocumented workers

The Department of Employment and Labour is preparing to hit employers who hire undocumented migrants with fines of up to R100,000 per worker, as government ramps up enforcement of labour and immigration laws. Plans are also under way to recruit 10,000 labour inspectors to strengthen oversight. The move follows President…
8 Jun 4PM 24 min