The Witness Protection Program of South Africa, also known as the Witness Protection Scheme, is a South African witness protection program codified under the Witness Protection Act 112 of 1998 and administered by the South African Department of Justice.[1][2] The primary objectives of the programme are to protect witnesses and their families from harm, ensure the safety and security of witnesses during and after trials, prevent witness intimidation and tampering, and support the criminal justice system by ensuring witness cooperation.[3][4][5]
| Witness Protection of South Africa | |
|---|---|
.svg) Coat of arms of South Africa | |
| Administered by | Department of Justice and Constitutional Development |
| Codified under | Witness Protection Act 112 of 1998 |
| Year established | 1998 |
| Aim | to protect witnesses and their families |
| Annual budget | 3 million USD |
| Location | Cape Town |
History
editThe program was established in response to the high number of witness intimidation and killings during the apartheid era, which led to a breakdown in the criminal justice system.[6] The program was created to ensure that witnesses feel safe and protected, thereby enabling them to testify without fear of reprisal. The program protects witnesses, their families, and other individuals who are at risk due to their involvement in criminal cases, including witnesses to crimes, victims of crime, family members of witnesses and victims, experts, and informants.[7][8]
The program is administered by the South African Police Service in partnership with other government agencies, including the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, National Prosecuting Authority, and Department of Social Development.[9][10] The program provides a range of services, including assessment of witness risk, protection planning, relocation and accommodation, identity protection, and counseling and support.[11][12]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Wright, Johandri (2022-06-15). "Whistleblowers in South Africa have some protection but gaps need fixing". The Conversation. Retrieved 2024-07-16.
- ^ newsroom (2020-02-07). "Is South Africa's witness protection system as safe as should be?". Voice of the Cape. Retrieved 2024-07-16.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2023-07-03-public-urged-to-make-submissions-to-witness-protection-act-changes/
- ^ Watch, Corruption (2023-07-07). "SA public has say in how whistle-blowers should be protected". Corruption Watch. Retrieved 2024-07-16.
- ^ IOL Experts and witnesses call on an elite national witness protection programme Cape Town - Security experts and witnesses who are in the witness protection programme have called on the government and the National... . 19 Mar 2022
- ^ https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-12-04-victims-of-crime-should-be-offered-alternatives-to-taking-on-new-identities-in-witness-protection-mkhwebane/
- ^ "Whistleblowers critical to upholding accountability | SAnews". www.sanews.gov.za. 2023-07-21. Retrieved 2024-07-16.
- ^ Felix, Jason. "Govt grappling with how to protect whistleblowers while laws are being reviewed – Lamola". News24. Retrieved 2024-07-16.
- ^ "SA beefs up protection for whistleblowers | SAnews". www.sanews.gov.za. 2023-02-09. Retrieved 2024-07-16.
- ^ "Protection of whistleblowers key to fighting corruption | SAnews". www.sanews.gov.za. 2021-09-20. Retrieved 2024-07-16.
- ^ Masson, Eunice (2022-11-26). "Many sacrifices, little protection for state witnesses". The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 2024-07-16.
- ^ "How can Africa keep witnesses safer?". ISS Africa. Retrieved 2024-07-16.