JOHANNESBURG - Can the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry force state intelligence secrets into the open?
Not according to chief evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson, who maintains that only the high court holds that power.
This comes as the commission heard arguments in an application seeking to have the testimony of National Intelligence Coordinating Committee Acting Coordinator, Dr Ntandazo Sifolo, presented behind closed doors.
Chaskalson and others are at loggerheads over making classified information public.
The documents in question involve claims that organised crime syndicates have infiltrated the criminal justice system.
Chaskalson said the commission lacks the jurisdiction or authority of the high court's power to look into classified documents.
They may also have to ask Sifolo what he is allowed to reveal.
Chaskalson said Sifolo still needs to be consulted about giving his consent.
Madlanga has reserved ruling on the matter.
eNCA reporter Pule Letshwiti-Jones has more details in the video above.