Court Backs Khampepe, TRC Cases Move Forward

Gauteng High Court Upholds Justice Khampepes Role in TRC Commission, Deals Blow to Zuma and Mbekis Recusal Bid

The Gauteng High Court has dismissed former presidents Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbekis attempt to remove Justice Sisi Khampepe from her position as chair of the commission investigating stalled apartheid-era prosecutions. The full bench ruled in Khampepes favor, rejecting the duos demand for personal costs against her.

Zuma and Mbeki argued that Khampepes past roles on the TRC amnesty committee and as deputy national director of public prosecutions created a conflict of interest. However, the court disagreed, upholding her initial decision to dismiss their first recusal bids.

The ruling has been welcomed by families of the victims, including Lukhanya Calata, son of Fort Calata, one of the Cradock Four killed by security police in 1985. Calata criticized Zuma and Mbeki for their attacks on Khampepe and for bypassing the proper channels by skipping Chief Justice permission.

President Cyril Ramaphosas public support for Khampepe was also criticized by Calata, who argued that Ramaphosa should have remained neutral. Mbekis team has not commented on the ruling.

With this legal hurdle cleared, the Khampepe Commission can now proceed with its investigation into why TRC cases were politically blocked during past governments, potentially bringing long-awaited closure to families still seeking justice.

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