The Khampepe Commission of Inquiry, established in May 2025 by President Cyril Ramaphosa, resumed public hearings on 13 July 2026 in Newtown, Johannesburg, as part of its investigation into alleged political interference that prevented the prosecution of apartheid-era crimes by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and South African Police Service (SAPS).

Mandate And Previous Attempts At Removal

Chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Sisi Khampepe, the commission’s mandate covers alleged attempts to influence, or improperly halt, cases identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the possible collusion between officials, the appropriateness of constitutional damages for victims, and recommendations for legal or disciplinary action against implicated individuals. According to the commission, former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma filed applications to have Justice Khampepe recused, alleging bias, but these were dismissed on 30 January 2026.

During a statement reported by Eyewitness News, Kgomotso Modise confirmed: “The recusal application by former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma for the chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases inquiry has been dismissed.” On 11 March 2026, Justice Khampepe publicly described such removal attempts as “baseless and without merit”, as first reported by DL Dimakatso Leshoro.

Significance For Justice And Accountability

The commission’s ongoing work is regarded as a critical step in addressing long-standing public concern over the lack of accountability for certain apartheid-era crimes, particularly those initially highlighted by the TRC. Many affected families and stakeholders have urged the state to fulfil the TRC’s recommendations, which were hindered by inaction or interference over several decades. The involvement of two former presidents has drawn national attention to the hearings and underlined the need for transparency in the pursuit of justice for apartheid victims.

The hearings seek to establish whether officials acted unlawfully in blocking prosecutions and to clarify whether reparations for victims are warranted. The commission’s findings, when released, are expected to influence both future policy and legal processes regarding historical crimes in South Africa. Further hearings are scheduled as the inquiry continues its work in Newtown.