Nhleko’s testimony on TRC case allegations put on hold
Former Police Minister Nathi Nhleko failed to appear before the Khampepe Commission on Thursday due to reported medical reasons.
Nhleko, who served as Police Minister from 2014 to 2017, had been scheduled to testify before the commission, which is investigating allegations that the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era and Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases were deliberately obstructed.
Earlier this week, former Police Ministers Bheki Cele and Fikile Mbalula gave evidence before the commission. Cele maintained that the South African Police Service should not have used public funds to pay the legal costs of former security police officers accused of human rights violations against anti-apartheid activists.
One of the most prominent matters affected by his refusal was the COSAS 4 case, which centres on the 1982 apartheid-era murder of four student activists. Three of the students were killed in an explosion near Krugersdorp after being lured to the site, while a fourth survived with serious injuries.
Chief Evidence Leader Advocate Ishmael Semenya said the commission did not want to place any additional pressure on Nhleko while awaiting a full medical report.
"I would not want to compromise Nhleko at this hour before we have a full report. As we know, he would have undergone some medical procedure. So when he will recuperate from that is another debate which I don't want to forestall."
Nhleko's testimony has been postponed, with a new date yet to be determined.
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