Khampepe commission: Bulelani Ngcuka denies political interference in TRC cases

Former head of the National Prosecutions Authority (NPA), Advocate Bulelani Ngcuka, has denied allegations of political interference in the NPA's failure to prosecute apartheid-era cases.

During his evidence, Ngcuka told the commission that he had established a specialised unit to centralise and prioritise TRC cases.

He said he appointed Judge Vincent Saldanha and Advocate Brink Ferreira to review case files and determine which were ready for prosecution.

His evidence was delayed earlier after an application was brought by his team to oppose cross-examination by the Calata family and 24 other families

Last week, former acting NPA head Silas Ramaite testified that he was directed by former Justice Minister Bridgette Mabandla to stop prosecutions in these cases until guidelines were developed on how to proceed.

Ngcuka explained that his office had created the priority crimes unit to handle cases deemed viable, while non-prosecutable cases, such as the death of Steve Biko, were not pursued due to insufficient evidence.

Ngcuka stressed that there were no political attempts to interfere with the prosecution of TRC cases.

He also pointed to the NPA Act, which requires it to work closely with the Minister of Justice.

"Nothing of the sort happened during my tenure."

He said under his direction, the unit identified 21 cases, at least six of which were taken to court during his tenure.

Ngcuka is expected to return to the commission in two weeks to face cross-examination.

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