Former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma are expected to testify before the Khampepe Commission later this month as it investigates alleged interference in apartheid-era prosecutions.
eNCA reports that Mbeki is scheduled to appear before Justice Sisi Khampepe on 19 and 20 October 2026, while Zuma is due to testify on 22 October.
The specific appearance dates are reported by eNCA. The commission’s existence, mandate and leadership are confirmed by official government sources.
Inquiry probes stalled apartheid-era cases
President Cyril Ramaphosa established the judicial commission in May 2025 to determine whether attempts were made to prevent the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes.
The Presidency confirmed that retired Constitutional Court judge Sisi Khampepe chairs the commission, assisted by retired Northern Cape Judge President Frans Diale Kgomo and Advocate Andrea Gabriel SC.
The Justice Department says the inquiry is examining possible attempts to prevent investigations and prosecutions between 2003 and the present.
The commission’s deadline has since been extended to 18 December 2026 to allow it to complete its work and submit a final report to the President.
Mbeki and Zuma challenged Khampepe
Before their scheduled testimony, Mbeki and Zuma sought to have Khampepe removed as chair of the inquiry.
The Constitutional Court confirms that the matter reached the country’s highest court, with judgment handed down on 31 August 2026. The case concerned challenges arising from Khampepe’s refusal to recuse herself.
Their legal challenge did not remove Khampepe from the commission, clearing the way for the inquiry to continue under her leadership.
Families still seeking answers
The commission was established following settlement discussions in litigation brought by families of victims of apartheid-era crimes.
The Presidency said the inquiry was created amid longstanding allegations that interference contributed to delays in investigating and prosecuting crimes identified through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission process.
eNCA reports that families and survivors, including the group known as the Calata Group, want answers about why several apartheid-era cases were not properly investigated or prosecuted.
The inquiry is still gathering evidence and has not made findings against Mbeki or Zuma.