The Khampepe Commission of Inquiry, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Sisi Khampepe, resumed hearings on 21 July 2026 in Newtown, Johannesburg, investigating allegations that political interference prevented proper investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and South African Police Service (SAPS).

Commission Mandate And Proceedings

Established in May 2025 by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Khampepe Commission was set up to determine whether officials or political actors attempted to influence police or NPA members to avoid pursuing cases originally identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). The mandate includes uncovering improper collusion by public officials, recommending action against those found to have acted unlawfully, and considering the possibility of constitutional damages for victims.

The commission is assisted by retired Northern Cape Judge President Frans Diale Kgomo and Advocate Andrea Gabriel SC. According to TimesLIVE, “the commission is chaired by retired Constitutional Court justice Sisi Khampepe.” Hearings are focused on determining the extent and impact of any unlawful intervention that may have shielded apartheid-era perpetrators from judicial consequences.

Testimonies And Historical Significance

Recent hearings have included testimony from Lukhanyo Calata, son of Fort Calata, representing the families of the Cradock Four—anti-apartheid activists murdered by the Security Branch in 1985. Calata testified in Pretoria on 16 February 2026, highlighting ongoing struggles for justice among families of those affected by apartheid-era violence. His appearance underscored the commission’s focus on cases that the TRC had previously highlighted, but which have seen limited prosecutorial progress in the post-apartheid era.

SABC News reported, “the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Cases Inquiry, probing alleged efforts to stall the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era perpetrators, is taking place in Newtown, Johannesburg.” The commission’s findings are anticipated to have far-reaching consequences for South Africa’s approach to historic justice and accountability.

The inquiry is expected to conclude its public hearings in the coming months, with recommendations to the Presidency anticipated before the end of 2026.