Process to impeach Mkhwebane to start in July
Parliament believes there are no more legal impediments to the inquiry into Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane's fitness to hold office.
The first hearing is scheduled to take place on 11 July.
This was confirmed in a unanimous decision by Parliament's Committee for Section 194 Enquiry on Wednesday.
"In their numbers members are very clear that having noted that none of those issues, including the investigation of the leaked sms, prohibit us from proceeding, thus firmly asking that as a committee we proceed with our work that we have been set up to do," said the committee’s chairperson Qubudile Dyantyi.
Earlier this year, Mkhwebane approached the Constitutional Court in an attempt to rescind the judgment that paved the way for her impeachment.
However, the apex court ruled against the application.
This prompted her to return to the court to ask it to rescind the refusal to hear the earlier rescission application.
Dyanti told MPs that the latest application will not affect the impeachment process.
Members of the public will also be granted an opportunity to make submissions.
Legal advisor Fatima Ebrahim warned that these would have to be evidence based.
"All sworn statements and evidence must be submitted by 12:00 on 3 June 2022. That is three weeks from now.
"We don't want to open a pandora's box where people give their own personal views on the matter. What we are seeking to achieve here is for people who have actual evidence in support or against the motion to come forward and provide the evidence.
"In terms of that notice the public will be invited to furnish the committee with any evidence that can assist the committee in its assessment of the motion."
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