MK Party’s urgent court bid to stop Madlanga Commission struck off the roll

Zuko Komisa

Image | @umkhonto_wesizwe_official/Instagram

The Pretoria High Court has dismissed an urgent application by the MK Party and Jacob Zuma to halt the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
The court ruled that the matter was not urgent, meaning the commission’s work will continue without immediate legal challenge.
The application was an attempt to challenge the establishment of the commission and the appointment of an acting Police Minister.

The Pretoria High Court has struck the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party’s urgent application to challenge the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry from the roll, ruling that the matter is not urgent.

The court heard arguments this morning from the MK Party and its leader, former President Jacob Zuma, who are seeking to challenge the legitimacy of the commission and the appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting Police Minister.

However, the judge dismissed the case on the grounds of a lack of urgency.

“In any event, despite the arguments of the applicants to the contrary, there is no indication in the present matter that the rule of law is under threat and that there will be serious human rights abuses if the impugned decision should stand pending the determination of a review in due course,” said Judge Ronel Tolmay.

This decision means the court will not hear the merits of the MK Party’s application at this time, allowing the commission to continue its work without immediate legal obstruction.