South Africa Inquiry Receives Court Challenge Over Subpoena Timing
Former president Thabo Mbeki filed an urgent application in the Gauteng High Court to suspend a summons to appear before an inquiry examining delayed Truth and Reconciliation Commission prosecutions. The application cites a pending Constitutional Court ruling on the inquiry chair.
nbcnews.comFormer 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.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- 14 May 2026
Mbeki and Mabandla received summonses to appear before the inquiry.
1 sourceAllAfrica - 29 May 2026
Mbeki filed an urgent application in the Gauteng High Court to suspend the summons.
1 sourceAllAfrica - 29 June 2026
The Constitutional Court will hear the matter regarding alleged bias by the inquiry chair.
1 sourceAllAfrica
Potential Impact
- 01
The Gauteng High Court may decide whether the summons can be enforced before the Constitutional Court ruling.
- 02
The inquiry may receive delayed executive testimony if the application succeeds.
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