Justice Khampepe to lead inquiry into TRC prosecution delays
Former Constitutional Court Justice Sisi Khampepe has been appointed to chair a judicial inquiry into delays in prosecuting apartheid-era crimes, as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) inquiry will investigate whether there were deliberate efforts to obstruct the investigation or prosecution of cases referred by the TRC to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The TRC, established in the 1990s to address human rights violations during apartheid, referred numerous cases to the NPA for further action. However, many of these cases have faced significant delays, raising concerns about justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators.
The inquiry aims to uncover any systemic or intentional barriers that may have hindered progress.
Justice Khampepe, known for her extensive judicial experience and commitment to human rights, is expected to bring rigor and impartiality to the investigation.
The inquiry’s findings could have far-reaching implications for South Africa’s ongoing efforts to reckon with its apartheid past and ensure justice for victims of historical atrocities.
The presidency has not yet announced a timeline for the inquiry’s completion, but stakeholders, including victims’ families and civil society groups, are hopeful that it will pave the way for truth and accountability.