TRC cases inquiry threatens legal action against non-compliant state entities

The TRC cases inquiry has moved to take legal steps against state entities which have refused to cooperate and provide the required documents and statements.

The inquiry kicked off on Wednesday, nine months after it was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa. It is investigating allegations of political interference and deliberate attempts to delay or impede the prosecution of TRC cases.

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Chief evidence leader in the TRC Commission, Advocate Ishmael Semenya, has addressed the commission on the lack of cooperation from state entities, like the police, in providing the required documents.

"It is disheartening and disconcerting that, as we sit today, we have not received one statement from the South African Police Service. Not one of all the commissioners who have occupied the periods from 2003 to date. Not one statement," Semenya said.

He told the commission that they must take further steps against these state entities and individuals.

"Chair, I am highlighting that we are going to be forced to use powers of compulsion to obtain the necessary material to enable us to discharge our function," he stated.

On Thursday, the commission will hear from its first witness, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, whose sister, Nokuthula, disappeared in 1983.