Former South African (SA) President Thabo Mbeki has reiterated his stance that Justice Sisi Khampepe should have recused herself as Chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Cases Inquiry, citing potential conflicts of interest stemming from her past official roles.
Mbeki pointed out that Khampepe previously served as Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions in 1998 and was a member of the original TRC’s Amnesty Committee. He argued that these past positions make her a key witness regarding the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and TRC processes, rather than an impartial arbiter.
Responding to allegations from victims’ families accusing him of showing disrespect by failing to comply with the inquiry’s directives, Mbeki firmly rejected the claims, maintaining his deep respect for the commission and its mandate.
He noted that concerns over potential bias were far from frivolous, emphasising that four Constitutional Court justices shared the apprehensions raised by himself and former President Jacob Zuma before their apex court review application was ultimately dismissed.
–ChannelAfrica–
