By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The suspended Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane has again called for the recusal of the chairperson of the Section 194 inquiry Richard Qubudile Dyantyi into her fitness to hold office.
This follows allegations by Mkhwebane of bribery against Dyantyi, and other senior African National Congress (ANC) MPs to influence the outcome of the inquiry.
Mkhwebane was due back on the witness stand at the impeachment inquiry into her fitness to hold office on Wednesday following the appointment of new lawyers,Chaane Attorneys, to act of behalf of the public protector.
But it was quickly overshadowed by allegations that certain MPs, including Dyantyi, solicited bribes to influence the inquiry.
Mkhwebane wrote to Dyantyi to ask him to recuse himself “out of his own conscience” due to the serious allegations against him.
“I find it difficult to appear before you as the chairperson,” she said.
Mkhwebane’s husband, David Skosana, has opened a case of extortion against Dyantyi as well as ANC chief whip, Pemmy Majodina and now-deceased former Cabinet minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson.
The three ANC members have been accused of trying to solicit a bribe from Mkhwebane to influence the outcome of the impeachment inquiry.
Police are investigating the allegations, while Mkhwebane has since lodged a complaint with Parliament’s Ethics Committee.
On Wednesday, she insisted that there was evidence – including recordings and WhatsApp messages – against Dyantyi.
“I heard the audio and recordings… they will be made available to the committee and the members of the public will hear from themselves where you and Majodina are implicated. The police have been given the recordings,” Mkhwebane said.
Earlier, Dyantyi had emphasised these allegation “did not belong with the committee” as the matter has been “channelled to the proper forums”.
“If the police are investigating these allegations then let’s allow them to do their work. Let’s not try to try and short circuit that,” he said.
Dyantyi also told Mkhwebane to file her recusal application in writing by Friday so he can respond by Monday.
Last week Tuesday, Mkhwebane was granted leave to appeal to Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) in her case against Dyantyi and Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Kevin Mileham.
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