Expansion of S. Africa's state capture inquiry faces opposition
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E-mail Xinhua, January 19, 2018
CAPE TOWN, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- A South African parliament committee on Friday opposed attempts to broaden the scope of the "state capture" inquiry, as concerns mount over the dilution of the probe's focus on Zuma-era corruption.
Any state capture inquiry should restrict itself to the remedial action recommended by former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services said in a statement.
The committee expressed concern with the "conflicting and confusing" messages relayed by current Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane.
Mkhwebane should respect the remedial action proposed by her predecessor regarding the state capture inquiry, Committee Chairperson Mathole Motshekga said.
Last week, President Jacob Zuma announced his decision to appoint the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into state capture.
The commission is to probe allegations of state capture lodged against Zuma, senior officials and the controversial Indian Gupta family in relation to their collaboration in looting the state coffers.
Following the Zuma announcement, Mkhwebane said she wants to ensure that the inquiry is not limited to the issues identified in the initial report by her predecessor.
Mkhwebane has been accused of acting under Zuma's order to derail the inquiry by broadening the investigation into long-existed corruption, even before 1994 when South Africa was still under apartheid.
In her report on state capture, Madonsela wants remedial action to cover the period under Zuma's rule only.
Several South African political parties have publicly opposed Mkhwebane's idea, insisting that the inquiry scope be confined to the findings and requirements of Madonsela's report.
"It is not for her (Mkhwebane) to request an expansion of the terms of reference for the state capture inquiry. In fact, it is only the courts that have the power to amend or change the remedial action," said Motshekga.
The calls made by Mkhwebane "are confusing to the general public" and she must not interfere in the remedial action or scope of the inquiry, Motshekga said. Enditem
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