Section 194 enquiry committee adjourned after witness refuses to testify
A witness testifying at the parliamentary inquiry into Busisiwe Mkhwane’s fitness to hold office complained that she was not given an opportunity to depose an affidavit or statement ahead of her appearance.
The development led to a third postponement this week.
The Section 194 inquiry into Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s fitness to hold office had to cut short its hearings on Thursday due to a lack of consultation with the witness.
Bianca Mvuyana, who had been subpoenaed to testify on behalf of the suspended public protector, indicated in the meeting that she only consulted with Mkhwebane’s legal team on Wednesday.
Mvuyana confirmed that initially she opted not to provide a statement or affidavit and indicated she would not attend voluntarily.
The committee heard that Mvuyana was served with a subpoena to appear before it on 3 February.
She told the committee that she was approached by the Mkhwebane’s legal team on Friday to make arrangements for Saturday to consult.
“The legal team of the PP did not honour the agreement,” she said.
Advocate Dali Mpofu, on behalf on Mkhwebane, told the committee that he was only made aware of Mvuyana’s preference for a statement on Wednesday.
Mpofu blamed parliamentary staff for creating an impression that she did not want to make a statement.
Committee chairperson Qubudile Dyantyi said the committee will likely meet on Monday to discuss all these matters, including the perception by some members that these incidents are used as stalling tactics by Mkhwebane.
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