Media argue against delayed access to Dr. Sifolo evidence

Advocate Ben Winks has argued that requiring media organisations to seek access to Dr Ntandazo Sifolo’ s evidence only after the hearing concludes is not a workable remedy for the press.

Judgment has been reserved in the matter.

Winks represents three media organisations, News24, amaBhungane and Daily Maverick, which are opposing the Madlanga Commission’s evidence leaders’ application to hear Sifolo’s evidence in camera.

Sifolo is the Acting Coordinator of the National Intelligence Coordinating Committee.

MADLANGA COMMISSION | Adv Ben Winks says it cannot be acceptable for an intelligence agency to dictate what a commission of inquiry can and cannot hear. https://t.co/hhBJItIc8y — SABC News (@SABCNews) October 21, 2026 Winks argues that delayed access would undermine key principles of open justice, including public scrutiny of evidence as it is presented and public confidence in the Commission’s work.

“What we want is what is happening in front of the commission.

So that’s not a review that is realistically available to us.” VIDEO | Madlanga Commission | Madlanga Inquiry to hear Sifolo’s in-camera testimony application