By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into corruption and malfeasance in the criminal justice postponed the proceedings after a new witness applied for postponement citing health reasons.
A police officer from the crime intelligence unit, was meant to testify at the commission, but he called in sick.
The evidence leader Mathew Chaskalson SC questioned the adequacy of a medical certificate submitted on behalf of a witness.
Commissioners including chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga raised serious concerns over the growing number of witnesses failing to appear due to medical reasons indicating that stricter measures may soon be implemented.
Among the options under consideration is compelling medical practitioners who issue sick notes for scheduled witnesses to account for their assessments before the commission.
The witness’s legal representative, Matlala Attorneys, has been directed to submit a valid and satisfactory medical certificate by Thursday.
No details were provided on the nature of the illness or whether the officer would be rescheduled.
The postponement comes as the commission has been probing allegations involving politicians, police officers and alleged cartel members.
Ekurhuleni Human Resources manager Linda Gxasheka is expected to appear before the commission on Thursday, February 26th and 27th after she submitted a document on the eve of her appearance.