By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Suspended Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane was this morning expected to begin her defence against the misconduct and incompetence allegations levelled against her.
But she launched an application for the removal of the section 194 committee’s evidence leaders, advocates Nazreen Bawa and Ncumiso Mayosi.
Her lawyer, Dali Mpofu, has argued that by displaying the fees earned by black lawyers from the Public Protector’s office, Bawa intended to portray them as corrupt.
Mpofu said that unlike an earlier recusal application launched by the United Democratic Movement (UDM) against Bawa, the Public Protector’s application was not the same.
He said that Bawa must be replaced for firstly displaying incorrect legal fees to the inquiry, and secondly, for making the earnings of legal professionals public at all.
“The evidence leaders’ conduct sparked confusion and mayhem in the country, and in the legal fraternity.”
Mpofu said that the figures were displayed without context and put the families of those involved in jeopardy.
“The persons involved were also exposed to criminality and other forms of harassment and insults.”
Mpofu argued that Bawa should have spoken to her legal colleagues beforehand to check and warn them about her intention to include their legal earnings as part of witness testimony.
Committee chairperson Qubudile Dyantyi said the committee has received Mkhwebane’s written submissions and has given Mpofu time to make his arguments.
Dyantyi added the Inquiry will resume at 9:30, with deliberations over the removal application. The plan is to have Mkhwebane’s first witness on the stand in the afternoon.
Livestream Video Below:
Video Courtesy of Parliament.