The fourth state witness in the Boeremag treason trial will not be able to maintain his anonymity after the judge refused an application to keep his identity a secret on Tuesday.
Pretoria High Court Judge Eben Jordaan said the witness, Deon Crous, had not proved the existence of exceptional circumstances to warrant such an order, which would limit the freedom of the press.
Crous, who previously farmed in the Bela-Bela area in Limpopo, said in a statement he and his wife were both in the witness protection programme, but had settled into a new community where no-one knew about his involvement in the case.
He also feared that his new job with an international company might be in jeopardy if his identity was revealed.
The majority of the accused opposed the application, saying it was clear that Crous’ safety was not in danger and that he had not given any indication that he would be unwilling to testify if his identity was not protected.
Jordaan said it was not clear what Crous meant when he said he would suffer ”serious prejudice”.
He was also not convinced that a company would be able to fire Crous because of his involvement in the case.
”I deduct that Crous had repented of his wrongful ways and is only doing his civil duty by testifying. How can an employer fire him under those circumstances?” he asked.
Defence counsel Piet Pistorius indicated on Tuesday that 14 of the accused intended launching an urgent application on Friday afternoon to prevent them being moved from single cells into communal cells at Pretoria’s Local Prison.
The trial continues. – Sapa