By OBAKENG MAJE
25 July 2025- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said is taken aback by the leaking to the media of the affidavit of one of the state witnesses. The NPA said the affidavit forms part of the documents in the case docket that was disclosed to the defence for the accused to prepare for their trial.
The NPA regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana said it is very concerning as this leaked affidavit has the potential to compromise the state’s case. Mahanjana said it also endangers the life of the state witness because her full details, including a photo of her, were published in the media.
“The case was set down for trial to commence on 14 October 2024, almost a year ago. However, the case has been met with numerous interlocutory applications by some of the accused attempting to delay the trial. None of these interlocutory applications were successful.
“Despite all these applications, the state has always maintained its readiness to start with the trial. We therefore urge the media to be responsible when exercising their mandate to produce news to keep the public informed to do so without jeopardising the rights of the witnesses who will be called to testify,” she said.
Mahanjana further said the case is set down on 4 August 2025 for trial.
The Guardian 