Inquiry into TRC cases says doesn’t expect delays to hinder start of first public hearings

The inquiry into Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases said it doesn’t expect any delays on the start of the first public hearings in November, despite concerns about a lack of cooperation from key government departments and agencies.

President Cyril Ramaphosa set up the inquiry to investigate allegations of interference and efforts to stop the prosecution of TRC cases.

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Since the TRC wrapped up its work in 2003, almost none of the cases referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for prosecution have been resolved.

Evidence leaders from the inquiry now set up to probe why prosecutions have stalled said they have received an underwhelming response to requests for information from some government departments.

This includes that the Department of Justice, the Presidency and the parliamentary committee on justice have allegedly been non-compliant.

"The TRC cases inquiry continues to call on those who can help us with our terms of reference to provide us with information and documents in their possession," said spokesperson of the TRC cases inquiry Lionel Adendorf.

"Our commissioners, led by former Constitutional Court Justice Sisi Khampepe, are adamant that we should not go the route of subpoenas, as we continue to rely on the goodwill and cooperation of those who can help us with our search for justice."