By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former Police Minister Fikile Mbalula says he played no role in investigations or prosecutions linked to Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases during his tenure.
Mbalula testified before the commission, which is investigating delays in the handling of TRC cases.
The commission is probing allegations that, in the post-apartheid era, senior police officials and prosecutors deliberately delayed or obstructed investigations into TRC-referred cases.
Mbalula served as deputy minister of police from 2009 to 2010 and as minister of police from March 2017 to May 2018.
“I played no role whatsoever in the TRC cases. I did not hold meetings or consultations with any family members related to the TRC cases. I did not receive briefings from police investigators handling TRC cases, nor did I receive briefings from members of the National Prosecuting Authority responsible for prosecuting those cases.”
Mbalula said the families of apartheid-era victims have waited far too long for justice and deserve answers.
He says he had no authority to direct investigations, allocate resources or influence decisions on the prosecution of TRC-referred matters.
Mbalula maintained that the minister of police is responsible for policy, not operational policing.
“The minister is responsible for policy, and not operations within the police portfolio. The minister of police therefore has no legal authority to determine or direct criminal investigations. The minister also plays no role in the allocation of operational resources to criminal investigations,” he said.
During cross-examination, evidence leader Advocate Howard Varney questioned Mbalula about reports that the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) had postponed work on some TRC-related cases until after the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Asked whether he had any knowledge of such a decision, Mbalula said he did not.
“I never had such a decision. From what you are presenting, counsel, it is quite clear that the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation would be better placed to explain what informed that decision,” he said.
The commission also heard questions relating to the case of anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Timol, who died in police custody in 1971. Mbalula said he could not recall any delays in the matter during his tenure.
Addressing concerns raised by families of apartheid-era victims over reparations, Mbalula said compensation should be dealt with through the appropriate legal processes.
“I think we must follow the processes to the letter in relation to outstanding matters, and one of those is the matter of compensation, which has to be addressed in the right way. We need to be clear about what we are doing here,” he said.