NPA doesn’t accept or reject allegations of political meddling in TRC-related crimes

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) does not accept or reject allegations of political interference in Truth and Reconciliation Committee (TRC)-related crimes that are now the subject of an inquiry.

The TRC cases inquiry kicked off on Wednesday with opening statements, nine months after President Cyril Ramaphosa established it.

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The commission’s work has been enshrouded in interlocutory applications, such as applications for the chairperson, retired Justice Sisi Khampepe’s recusal.

But the commission is proceeding with its work despite a looming court battle by former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma.

It’s been 23 years since the TRC concluded its work, referring cases to the NPA for prosecution; however, almost none of those cases have made it to a courtroom.

At the heart of the allegations being investigated by the TRC cases inquiry is whether there was political interference in the NPA that impeded or delayed the prosecution of TRC-related crimes.

However, on Wednesday, lawyers representing the NPA could not make a pronouncement on this.

Advocate Yonela Ntloko gave the address: “There is no concession or denial in that regard. At the same time, the current leadership has no direct knowledge of any political interference, pressure or collusion regarding the TRC in its tenure.”

Ntloko said apart from the NPA, previous National Directors of Public Prosecution are expected to testify on the allegations of interference.

Former prosecutions boss Vusi Pikoli had previously claimed that their efforts to pursue apartheid TRC cases were hindered by senior officials in Mbeki's administration.