Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo: Jairus Rabbit/GCIS)
Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa says he remains committed to the search for justice for the victims of apartheid crimes and emphasized that their call for justice cannot be “swept under the rug.”
This follows after an application was submitted in the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg asking that Sisi Khampepe, a retired judge of the Constitutional Court, withdraw from the judicial commission of inquiry into these crimes.
According to Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for the president, the court process must be completed before the commission of inquiry can proceed.
“Ramaphosa appointed this commission in May last year. Khampepe is assisted by the retired judge president of the Northern Cape, Frans Diale Kgomo, as well as Adv. Andrea Gabriel SC.”
The commission was set up after an agreement was reached during settlement talks in a court case brought by families of victims of apartheid crimes.
According to Magwenya, the commission must determine whether there were attempts to thwart investigations and prosecutions in connection with these crimes.
“The president will act quickly after the court has delivered a decision to ensure that the commission can start its work,” he said.
Magwenya says Ramaphosa is also “deeply concerned” about the current review applications which he says could be detrimental to the victims.
“These applications could potentially defeat the main purpose of the commission and are detrimental to the interests of victims who want closure and accountability from the government for what happened to their family members.”
He emphasizes that the president’s biggest priority is the integrity of the process.
“The president believes the court is the best place to make a decision on the case. This in no way means that there is a desire to undermine the commission or its work.”
According to Magwenya, the commission will continue with its work as soon as the court delivers its verdict and indicates the way forward.