Legal costs stall TRC cases: NPA says disputes over funding delaying justice
In an update to Parliament’s justice committee on Tuesday, the NPA said there’s been some reluctance on the part of some departments to foot legal bills.
The Cradock Four memorial in Cradock, in the Eastern Cape. Picture: Fort Calata Foundation/Facebook
CAPE TOWN - Who should pay for lawyers for the families of victims of apartheid crimes and the accused themselves - is a point of contention, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says, is stalling getting Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases to court.
In an update to Parliament’s justice committee on Tuesday, the NPA said there’s been some reluctance on the part of some departments to foot legal bills.
The NPA said access to classified information from the police and the military is also inhibiting progress in prosecuting these crimes.
With several inquests before the courts, the NPA said taking matters to trial also requires a decision on providing and funding legal support for all those involved.
TRC coordinator, Shubnum Singh, said this is part of the reason there have been delays in the case of the Cradock Four, which is due to start on the second of next month [June].
“The cost of legal representation for persons of interest, we’ve already addressed with the minister. We hope we do not have any other issues.”
Legal Aid CEO Ntumbedzeni Nemasisi said the matter of the Cradock Four is being ironed out.
“The Goniwe family have approached Legal Aid and we have already appointed the legal representation, and they are already preparing for the hearing on June 2, which will be good to proceed without any challenges.”
Hawks head, Godfrey Lebeya, said some decision-makers have been reluctant to agree to pay for the legal defence of apartheid-era security branch police officers.
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