Mbeki and Zuma lose bid to have Justice Sisi Khampepe recused from TRC hearings

The recusal application by former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma for the chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases inquiry has been dismissed.

Both Zuma and Mbeki wanted retired Justice Sisi Khampepe to recuse herself citing bias on her part.

The commission is investigating alleged interference and concerted efforts to stop the prosecution of cases referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) by the TRC. 

This ruling means that both Mbeki and Zuma will have to testify before Khampepe in the commission of inquiry.

Khampepe has given three reasons for her decision to dismiss the recusal applications by the former presidents.

She cited that they delayed unreasonably and failed to provide proper explanations.

Khampepe also dismissed arguments by Zuma that she made adverse findings against him in the Constitutional Court which resulted in his arrest in 2021.

Khampepe said that there was also no explanation given by Mbeki for his delay in bringing a recusal application saying it seems that if Zuma did not apply Mbeki would not be seeking her recusal.

The retired justice said that the time bound nature of the commission’s work dictates that it must continue uninterrupted.