By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Proceedings got heated at Tuesday’s section 194 inquiry hearings with advocate Dali Mpofu issuing a “threat” and a “promise” to chairperson Richard Dyantyi.
Dyantyi said we will resume with Mpofu’s cross examination of Nelisiwe Thejane, who testified last week.
Thejane gave evidence under her maiden name, Nkabinde, last week. She gave testimony about how Mkhwebane’s emphasis on meeting extremely tight deadlines resulted in an adverse impact on the quality of reports.
Mpofu said he wants to address issues that “does not concern the witness” because he wants to apply for a postponement of the inquiry. This is very likely to be linked to Mkhwebane’s urgent application for the enforcement of a Western Cape High Court order that her suspension by President Cyril Ramaphosa is unlawful. That case is due to be heard on Friday.
Ramaphosa is both opposing Mkhwebane’s application for the immediate enforcement of the High Court order that lifts her suspension and is seeking to appeal the High Court ruling in the Constitutional Court.
Mpofu said it is “inexplicable and unfair” to refuse to grant Mkhwebane’s request for a postponement after Dyantyi yesterday refused Mpofu’s application for a postponement of the inquiry.
Mpofu also said Mkhwebane was off sick and couldn’t attend Tuesday’s hearings.
When his request was denied, Mpofu lost his cool.
“You have no right to abuse me, but it’s fine, you’ve got the power now, you can exercise it, but you will pay one day,” said Mpofu.
Dyantyi responded: “Are you threatening me now?”
“Actually, it’s not a threat as I said it’s a promise,” said Mpofu.
Committee member Dr Annelie Lotriet took exception to Mpofu’s conduct saying the matter had to be investigated.
“In terms of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities Act, no member of Parliament must be threatened while exercising his or her duty,” she explained.
The committee continued its hearing with Mpofu now expected to cross-examine Tuesday’s witness next week.
This is not the first time Mkhwebane’s lawyer has had a run-in with the chair of her impeachment inquiry.
In August, Mpofu told Parliament that he may apply for the recusal of Dyantyi.
He threatened this after another rescission application by Mkhwebane was dismissed by the Constitutional Court (ConCourt).
Livestream Video Below:
Video Courtesy of Parliament.