MEDIA STATEMENT:  IJR expresses concern over request for Justice Khampepe to recuse herself from Commission of Enquiry

10 March 2026

The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR) notes with concern the request that Justice Sisi Khampepe recuse herself from the Commission of Enquiry into Political Interference in Apartheid-Era Crimes.

Justice Khampepe’s previous involvement in related matters was widely known at the time of her appointment to the Commission. If concerns regarding possible bias existed, these should appropriately have been raised and addressed at the time of her appointment.

The Commission has already been running for several months and has incurred significant cost to the taxpayer. A recusal at this stage would not only delay the work of the Commission but could also result in further financial and institutional costs for a process that is already long overdue.

For South Africa to advance healing and reconciliation, it is essential that the truth about past injustices is fully acknowledged and that those responsible are held accountable. The Commission is tasked with examining allegations of political interference in the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes and we must be weary of actions that risk reinforcing the very concerns that the Commission was established to investigate.

The IJR will await the decision of the courts on this matter. In the meantime, the Institute remains committed to supporting the families of victims in their ongoing pursuit of truth, accountability, and justice.

Ends