Former presidents Zuma and Mbeki seek Justice Khampepe’s recusal from TRC inquiry

Zuko Komisa

Former presidents Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki have filed for the recusal of retired Justice Sisi Khampepe from the commission investigating political interference in apartheid-era prosecutions.
The applicants, supported by four former ministers, cite a “reasonable apprehension of bias” and potential conflicts of interest as grounds for their legal challenge.
The application will be heard on 16 January in Johannesburg, adding further delays to an inquiry whose mandate has already been extended to July 2026.

Former South African presidents Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki, supported by four former Cabinet ministers, have filed a formal application for the recusal of retired Justice Sisi Khampepe.

Justice Khampepe currently chairs the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into alleged political interference regarding the non-prosecution of apartheid-era crimes.

The commission, established in 2025, is investigating claims that political pressure prevented the National Prosecuting Authority from pursuing cases recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

The applicants have cited concerns regarding conflicts of interest, alleged misconduct, and a “reasonable apprehension of bias.” In their filing, the former leaders maintained that the application is a necessary step to ensure the inquiry remains a fair and impartial process, rather than an attempt to evade accountability.

The recusal applications are scheduled to be heard on Friday, 16 January 2025, at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Johannesburg.

This legal challenge marks the latest in a series of delays for the commission, which has already seen its mandate extended until July 2026.