Former Police Minister Fikile Mbalula has told the Khampepe Commission that he had no involvement in investigations or prosecutions arising from Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases during his time in office.
Mbalula appeared before the commission, which is examining allegations that investigations and prosecutions of apartheid-era crimes referred by the TRC were deliberately delayed or obstructed after the end of apartheid.
Fikile Mbalula Denies Any Involvement In TRC Cases
Addressing the commission, Mbalula said responsibility for TRC-related investigations and prosecutions did not fall within his authority while serving as Deputy Minister or Minister of Police.
“As Minister of Police, I was never involved in TRC cases,” Mbalula told the commission.
“I did not have the authority to determine, direct or provide resources for any investigations relating to TRC cases, nor did I determine or influence decisions relating to the prosecution of those cases.”
He also denied participating in any meetings or receiving official updates on the matters.
“I played no role whatsoever in the TRC cases. I did not hold meetings or consultations with any family members related to the TRC cases. I did not receive briefings from police investigators handling TRC cases, nor did I receive briefings from members of the National Prosecuting Authority responsible for prosecuting those cases.”
Khampepe Commission Probes Delays In TRC Cases
The Khampepe Commission is investigating claims that senior police officials and prosecutors intentionally delayed or obstructed investigations into cases referred by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The inquiry is examining whether state institutions unlawfully failed to investigate or prosecute apartheid-era crimes, depriving victims and their families of justice.
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Mbalula acknowledged the lengthy wait faced by many families seeking accountability.
He said victims’ relatives have waited far too long for answers regarding the handling of the cases.
Fikile Mbalula Says Victims Deserve Justice
While distancing himself from the investigations, Mbalula expressed regret that he could not provide information directly relevant to the commission’s terms of reference.
He said that although he was aware of certain developments surrounding TRC cases as a political activist, those matters were not connected to his official responsibilities while serving in government.
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Mbalula also said that any failure to investigate or prosecute apartheid-era crimes referred by the TRC would amount to a violation of the constitutional rights of victims and their families, including their rights to equality, dignity, life and bodily integrity.
The Khampepe Commission continues to hear evidence as it investigates allegations of interference in the handling of TRC-referred cases.
