Staff Reporter.
The State Capture Commission has hit back at claims by former correctional services commissioner boss Arthur Fraser that he was never afforded the opportunity to give evidence at the inquiry.
“…the commission wishes to make it clear that Fraser’s statements are not true,” it said in a statement.
Fraser recently objected to the nomination of Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo as the next chief justice, saying he is not “fit and proper” to hold the position.
In a letter to the short-listing panel on Friday, Fraser accused Zondo of lacking objectivity and integrity.
The inquiry had heard evidence of allegations of impropriety and wrongdoing against Fraser when he was the head of the State Security Agency (SSA).
The inquiry said on Thursday that Fraser never lodged an application for leave to give evidence.
It did, however, have an application by Fraser for leave to cross-examine certain witnesses, “which should have been decided about two or so months ago, but was not because Fraser filed comprehensive written submissions at the time which needed to be considered”.
It said that application was to be decided shortly.
“In conclusion, it is only Fraser who can explain why he has never lodged an application for leave to give evidence before the commission, if he wants to testify before the commission, particularly because he did see it fit to lodge two other applications, including one for leave to cross-examine certain witnesses, which is provided for in the same rule that provides for an application for leave to testify and the one for an order compelling the SSA to give him certain documents.”
Eight candidates have been nominated for the the Chief Justice position after President Cyril Ramaphosa asked the public for input and shortlist is expected to be submitted to Ramaphosa by no later than 29 October 2021.