Former presidents Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki have both filed applications seeking the recusal of retired Justice Sisi Khampepe from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Prosecutions Commission. The commission is investigating allegations of interference in the prosecution of apartheid-era crimes.
According to the Jacob Zuma Foundation’s spokesperson, Mzwandile Manyi, the applications cite alleged conflicts of interest stemming from Khampepe’s previous roles within the TRC and the National Prosecuting Authority.
“The applicants stress that this is not about obstructing justice or denying victims their rights but about protecting the integrity and credibility of the process. The recusal applications will be heard on the 16th of January at 10 o’clock at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Newtown, Johannesburg,” said Manyi.
The TRC Prosecutions Commission, however, emphasises that Justice Khampepe, as chair, remains committed to fulfilling the commission’s terms of reference. Lionel Adendorf, the commission’s spokesperson, noted that the recusal applications are part of normal legal procedure and do not raise immediate concerns.
“She is a very seasoned and experienced jurist. She has served on the Constitutional Court, and she needs to look at the arguments, and that’s when the commissioners would decide. She cannot have a particular attitude without having seen the papers, without having heard the evidence, and it is only based on what is in front of her that she would perhaps take a particular posture,” said Adendorf.
The commission will consider the applications before continuing with its investigations, ensuring that the proceedings remain fair, impartial, and credible for all parties involved.
VOC News
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