Former Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Lesetja Mothiba, has stood firm in denying any allegations of political interference in the investigation of Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases during his tenure.
Mothiba appeared before the TRC Cases Inquiry probing allegations of political interference in the investigation of TRC-related matters.
Reading from paragraph 11 of his affidavit, Mothiba states that throughout his career in the SAPS, he strove to adhere to his legal obligations under Section 205 of the Constitution and never engaged in political interference regarding TRC investigations or prosecutions.
He further reiterated the independence of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) from the South African Police Service (SAPS), adding that while he was aware that the TRC cases were priority crimes, he maintained that they were the responsibility of the DPCI, not the SAPS.
“During my time as provincial commissioner, I always tried to carry my responsibilities according to the provisions outlined in Section 205 of the Constitution. I never engaged in any act of political interference,” he stated.
Mothiba also explained that while the Police Act requires the commissioner to include the performance of the DPCI in the annual report to Parliament, his personal presentation did not cover DPCI matters. When called to Parliament, the SAPS and the DPCI would appear together but present on their respective mandates.
Mothiba, who was appointed as the provincial commissioner in June 2014 under former National Police Commissioner Riyah Phiyega, further confirmed that he was not privy to any communication regarding the investigation or prosecution of TRC cases between the SAPS, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, or members of the executive. He noted that he possessed no information relating to these cases.
“It is correct, commissioners, that I never interfered with any TRC-related matters. I was also not privy to any communication or interactions between the SAPS and NPA or the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and members of the executive or any other member about the investigation or prosecution of TRC cases,” he told the chairperson of the TRC Inquiry, Justice Sisi Khampepe.
In 2017, Mothiba was appointed by former President Jacob Zuma to the position of acting national police commissioner to replace Khomotso Phahlane – who in turn had been appointed to replace former national police commissioner, Riah Phiyega.
Following his brief testimony, which concluded before the tea time adjournment, the inquiry was set to hear the cross-examination of Loyiso Jafta, the Deputy Director General of the State Security Agency, who recently appeared before the commission.
Siyabonga Sithole
iol.co.za
