Inquiry into lack of prosecution of apartheid era cases expected to cost R45m

JOHANNESBURG - The judicial commission of inquiry into the lack of prosecution of apartheid era cases is expected to cost the country R45 million.

The president established the commission in May, and it is expected to run for six months.

Retired Constitutional Court Justice Sisi Khampepe will chair the hearings and will work alongside retired Northern Cape Judge President Frans Kgomo and Advocate Andrea Gabriel.

South Africa is already going to fork out almost R148 million for the judicial commission of inquiry into allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi over six months.

But the Department of Justice will also have to foot the bill for the Khampepe judicial commission of inquiry, which will investigate whether attempts were made to prevent the investigation and prosecution of apartheid era crimes.

"The Khampepe Commission is expected to cost R45 million over six months covering staffing, consultants, services and operational needs," said spokesperson Terrence Manase.

While the work of the commission started on Friday, a call for submissions is only expected to be made in the next 10 to 14 days.

Manase said Minister of Justice Mamoloko Kubayi is developing a standard operating procedure to improve consistency and cost efficiency in future commissions.