TRC Inquiry: NPA intimidated by false arrest rumors targeting ANC leaders

Anton Ackerman has dismissed as baseless claims that former President Thabo Mbeki and other African National Congress (ANC) leaders faced potential arrest on terrorism charges.

Testifying before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases inquiry, Ackerman explained that Jan Wagener, who at the time represented former Security Branch members and generals, alleged there was a solid case linking Mbeki and other ANC leaders to the Umkhonto we Sizwe landmine campaign.

Ackerman further stated that former National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi was among those spreading rumours that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) was preparing to arrest Mbeki and six generals from the previous regime.

According to Ackerman, he was informed of a purported deal between Mbeki, FW de Klerk, the SANDF, and the SAPS.

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The alleged agreement suggested that prosecution of TRC cases would be abandoned in exchange for dropping prosecutions against ANC leaders.

The inquiry has faced friction from several sides. Former Presidents Mbeki and Jacob Zuma had previously sought to remove the current chair of the commission, citing alleged bias stemming from her previous professional roles.

Ackerman maintained that the threat of legal action against Mbeki was used as a leverage tactic rather than a legitimate legal pursuit.

"It was clear to me that the case against the President was being relied on to intimidate the NPA into not prosecuting Security Branch members," Ackerman testified.

"Due to the fact that neither the lawyer in question nor the SAPS members could on any occasion produce a document containing evidence implicating the President."