Explosive testimony has emerged at the ongoing inquiry as Witness D delivered a chilling account implicating Brigadier Mkhwanazi in the disposal of a deceased individual. According to the witness, the brigadier instructed him to discard the body in a nearby dam — an order he claims he followed out of sheer fear for his life.
The room fell silent as Witness D recounted the moment the alleged instruction was given. He described the brigadier’s tone as firm, threatening, and leaving no room for refusal. “I believed that if I said no, I would be the next one to die,” he told the panel, visibly shaken as he relived the experience.
The witness emphasised he had never been involved in anything of this nature before, insisting his compliance was driven not by willingness but by terror. He said the power imbalance and authority of Brigadier Mkhwanazi made it impossible for him to resist the directive. “He was my superior. When he spoke, you didn’t question him. But this time, it wasn’t just an instruction — it was a threat.”
According to his account, the disposal of the body was carried out under extreme emotional distress. Witness D said he feared he was being watched and feared that any hesitation could endanger him further. He described the task as “the darkest moment of my life,” adding that the emotional burden still haunts him.
Legal representatives at the inquiry pressed him on why he did not report the incident immediately. He responded that reporting the brigadier felt impossible at the time, citing fears of retaliation, the brigadier’s influence, and a lack of protection for whistleblowers within the policing system.
The testimony has raised serious questions about the chain of command abuses and the potential involvement of senior officers in criminal conduct. Observers say the inquiry may face increased pressure to secure more witnesses and ensure safety protocols for those who fear reprisals.
Human rights organizations have already called for urgent protective measures for Witness D and others who may come forward with similar allegations. They argue that the case highlights a broader culture of fear within certain policing structures, where junior officers feel compelled to comply with unlawful orders.
As proceedings continue, Brigadier Mkhwanazi’s legal team is preparing a formal response. The inquiry is expected to summon additional witnesses in the coming days as it attempts to uncover the full extent of the alleged misconduct.
The testimony of Witness D, however, has already sent shockwaves — painting a disturbing picture of intimidation, coercion, and the misuse of authority.
