Suspended Justice DG Mashabane denies role in TRC political interference

Doctor Mashabane has denied allegations of interference in TRC cases during his appearance before the inquiry on Monday morning. Suspended Director-General and advisor at the Department of Justice, Doctor Mashabane, has categorically denied accusations that he was involved in political interference in Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases. Mashabane appeared before the TRC cases inquiry chaired by retired judgeJustice Sisi Khampepeon Monday.

Mashabane told the Commission that he was aware of some of the talks regarding alleged political interference, but he had no direct involvement. The Commission heard that Joao Rodrigues, who was indicted for the murder of anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Timol, died in 2021, with his death said to have robbed Timol’s brother Mohammed Timol, nephew Imtiaz Cajee and the Timol family of justice and closure. Rodrigues, who was invited to appear before the TRC during 1997, spurned the invitation, choosing not to participate, preferring to keep the family in ongoing pain and anguish.

Mashaba said: “I became aware that at the time of the Rodrigues cases, allegations of interference in the prosecution of certain TRC cases, I also became aware of other matters which have been referred for inquests to be opened. As the director-general, I have no direct interaction or involvement in such processes.” According to the TRC Cases Inquiry, in 2003, it became clear to Imtiaz Cajee that the TRC process had not led to results and none of the suspects had applied for amnesty. Cajee subsequently approached theNPA’s Priority Crimes Litigation Unit (PCLU)to investigate his uncle’s case.