Ramaphosa launches commission of inquiry into apartheid-era justice delays

President Cyril Ramaphosa is establishing a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate attempts to prevent the investigation or prosecution of apartheid-era crimes referred by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

The commission will probe allegations of improper influence in delaying or hindering the investigation and prosecution of crimes referred by the TRC to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

“Allegations of improper influence in delaying or hindering the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes have persisted from previous administrations,” the Presidency said in a statement on Wednesday.

Judicial commission of inquiry into apartheid-era crimes

“Through this commission, President Ramaphosa is determined that the true facts be established, and the matter brought to finality.”

The victims’ families brought court applications, and after holding settlement discussions, they, the Presidency, and other government bodies cited in the application jointly agreed to establish the commission.

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The president’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said in his February 2025 statement that Ramaphosa supported the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry.

“Government has maintained that these outstanding matters would be most appropriately addressed through the Commission of Inquiry and will therefore be included in the Commission’s terms of reference,” Magwenya said.

“President Ramaphosa continues to maintain that all affected families deserve closure and justice.”

No settlement reached on other matters

Magwenya added that the president understands the anguish and frustration of the victims’ families, who have been fighting for justice for a long time.

The government confirmed that, although the parties agreed to establish the commission, they were unable to reach a settlement on other matters related to the application.

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These include the application for an order that declares the actions of various government entities unlawful, a violation of the applicants’ rights, and the State’s payment of constitutional damages.

Magwenya added that the government believes the commission is the most appropriate forum to address the outstanding matters, which it will include in the terms of reference.

The government plans to seek a stay of application on these outstanding matters until the commission concludes its work and delivers its outcomes.

Head, timelines and full terms of reference coming soon

“The president respects the decision of the families to continue to seek an order on the violation of their rights and constitutional damages through the courts,” the spokesperson said.

The presidency will soon announce the head of the Commission of Inquiry, its timelines, and the full terms of reference.

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