Jacob Zuma Seeks Court Order to Force Ramaphosa to Remove Justice Khampepe As TRC Cases Chairperson
- Jacob Zuma has intensified his legal efforts to remove retired Justice Sisi Khampepe from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases inquiry
- Former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Zuma have sought to remove Justice Khampepe as chairperson over alleged biases
- Following his previous court application failures, Zuma is now asking the court to compel President Ramaphosa to intervene
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Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG - Former President Jacob Zuma has not given up on his bid to have Justice Sisi Khampepe removed as Chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases inquiry.
Zuma has brought forward several applications before the courts to have retired Justice Sisi Khampepe recused from the matter. Former president Thabo Mbeki has also joined the applications.
The TRC cases inquiry is investigating alleged interference and concerted efforts to stop the prosecution of cases referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) by the TRC. The TRC investigated gross human rights violations committed by both pro- and anti-apartheid forces between 1960 and 1994.
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Zuma wants the court to compel President Cyril Ramaphosa to act
Following failed applications by Zuma to have Justice Khampepe recuse herself or be removed, he is now seeking assistance from the courts to compel Ramaphosa to act.
The former president submitted a supplementary affidavit in his legal bid to compel President Cyril Ramaphosa to act. Zuma wants Ramaphosa to remove Justice Khampepe as chairperson.
Both Zuma and Mbeki have alleged that Justice Khampepe was biased and conflicted because of her historical involvement with the NPA and the original TRC. Justice Khampepe previously dismissed a recusal application from both former presidents in January 2026.
South Africans debate Zuma’s decision
Social media users weighed in on Zuma’s latest attempt, with some questioning why he was so desperate to prevent Justice Khampepe from overseeing proceedings.
Lesiba Freeman Morapi pondered:
“The question that keeps on knocking on the door of my mind is, what reasons exactly do former presidents Mbeki and Zuma have with regard to their feeling uncomfortable with Justice Khampepe chairing the TRC cases inquiry? What makes them feel uncomfortable and unsettled about this? Why are they not divulging all that they know?”
Jerry Koso questioned:
“Why? Is there something uBaba ka Duduzile knows which we do not? Presidential pardon on the card.”
Oscar Phogole Magane exclaimed:
“Mxm. Zuma must focus on his farm.”
Thihangwi Tshivhase stated:
“Ramaphosa must not interfere or intervene in Zuma’s legal matters.”
Tshililo Siobo suggested:
“Msholozi and Mbeki should just relax and enjoy their retirements. No one is bothering them. Exactly what is it that these two are not comfortable with?”
Sello Sekonyela said:
“Sisi Khampepe is going nowhere.”
Supreme Court of Appeal dismisses Zuma's application
In another case, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) rejected Zuma's latest attempt to have Billy Downer removed as prosecutor of his trial.
Briefly News reported that the former president has now failed numerous times in his quest to secure a successful prosecution.
South Africans found the funny side of the matter, noting how many times Zuma had lost court cases.
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Source: Briefly News
