Update on Legal Challenge to Commission of Inquiry | Western Cape Government

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Update on Legal Challenge to Commission of Inquiry

9 November 2012

Statement by Helen Zille, Premier of the Western Cape

On Tuesday 06 November, lawyers acting for Minister Nathi Mthethwa, General Riya Phiyega, Lieutenant General Arno Lamoer and others filed papers in the Western Cape High Court to have the commission of inquiry announced on 24 August temporarily suspended, pending a review of the decision to establish it.

We have indicated that we intend to oppose the application. Our lawyers are currently studying these papers to prepare our responses to their legal arguments.

An agreement has been reached between all the parties, including the Women's Legal Centre and the commission, for the hearing of the application to be postponed to 10 December 2012. This agreement will be made an order of the court on Monday 12 November and will give our lawyers adequate time to study the application and prepare a comprehensive and detailed reply. 

Part of this agreement is that the public hearings intended to begin on 12 November will not proceed and no effect will be given to the subpoenas issued to the SAPS. However, this does not mean that the commission itself has been suspended and the other investigative work being done by the commission is not affected by this agreement.

Media Enquiries: 

Zak Mbhele
Spokesperson for Premier Helen Zille
Tel: 021 483 4584
Cell: 083 600 2349
E-mail: Zak.Mbhele@westerncape.gov.za