Ramaphosa appoints Khampepe to investigate interference in apartheid prosecutions

Sisi Khampepe

Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed retired Constitutional Court Judge Sisi Khampepe to lead a judicial commission of inquiry into whether attempts were made to obstruct the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes.

She will be supported by retired Judge President Frans Kgomo and Advocate Andrea Gabriel.

The commission stems from a court settlement effort with families of victims of apartheid crimes, who have long alleged interference by state actors, causing delays in justice.

“For many years, there have been allegations of interference in these cases. This alleged interference is seen as the cause of an unacceptable delay in the investigation and prosecution of brutal crimes committed under apartheid. This has caused the families of victims great anguish and frustration.

“All affected families – and indeed all South Africans – deserve closure and justice. A commission of inquiry with broad and comprehensive terms of reference is an opportunity to establish the truth and provide guidance on any further action that needs to be taken,” Ramaphosa said.

The inquiry will investigate whether any South African Police Service (SAPS) or National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) officials were pressured or colluded to halt investigations, and whether constitutional damages are owed to victims’ families.

The commission will cover the period from 2003 to the present and must complete its work within six months, reporting findings within 60 days afterward.

While the commission was agreed upon, some unresolved legal issues remain.

The government seeks a stay of court proceedings on those issues pending the commission’s outcome, though the victims’ families want them resolved in court. Ramaphosa acknowledged their right to pursue this.

The NPA and SAPS have committed to investigating outstanding Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases.

Ramaphosa emphasised the inquiry’s importance in delivering justice, closure, and truth to the nation.

Judge Khampepe, known for past high-profile inquiries, including her ruling that led to Jacob Zuma’s imprisonment, is once again taking on a critical national role.

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