South Africa Inquiry Receives Court Challenge Over Subpoena Timing

Former president Thabo Mbeki and former minister of justice and constitutional development Bridget Mabandla received summonses on 14 May to appear before the inquiry into delayed Truth and Reconciliation Commission prosecutions. Mbeki approached the Gauteng High Court for an urgent order suspending the summons.

He argued that the inquiry is attempting to compel his evidence before a Constitutional Court ruling on alleged bias by the inquiry chair is issued. The Constitutional Court is scheduled to hear the matter on 29 June.

The inquiry was established after years of activism by families of victims of apartheid-era human rights violations. It has only recently begun hearing testimony from the executive and is required to conclude by December.