Zuma Heads to Constitutional Court, SA Split Over His Aim to Remove TRC Cases Chair Justice Khampepe
- Jacob Zuma has petitioned the Constitutional Court in his latest bid to have Justice Sisi Khampepe removed from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases inquiry
- Zuma and the former president Thabo Mbeki have continuously sought to have Justice Khampepe removed as the chairperson of the inquiry, over alleged biases
- South Africans took to social media to weigh in on Zuma's latest legal pursuit, with some highlighting his poor court track record and others defending his latest bid
Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG – Jacob Zuma is heading to the Constitutional Court as he continues to attempt to remove Justice Sisi Khampepe as the chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases inquiry.
Former president Zuma and Thabo Mbeki have launched numerous court applications to remove Justice Khampepe over alleged biases.
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 to approach the Constitutional Court
On 30 March 2026, the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, dismissed Zuma and Mbeki’s latest attempts to get Justice Khampepe to recuse herself.
The presidents approached the High Court to appeal Justice Khampepe’s ruling that she would not recuse herself. The High Court said it did not have the jurisdiction to decide on an application for the dismissal of the original application by the former presidents.
As a result, Zuma has now petitioned the Constitutional Court, as he seeks to appeal the High Court’s ruling.
Source: Twitter
Zuma's decision to petition the Constitutional Court was initially reported by eNCA, but the uMkhonto weSizwe Party's Mzwanele Manyi has since disputed the claim.
The Jacob G Zuma Foundation also released a statement regarding the claims, saying that the information came from a leaked letter, and there was nothing newsworthy about it as yet.
“President Zuma strongly condemns the disrespectful leaking of the letter. When the matter is ripe for public consumption, a statement will be issued as we usually do. There will be no media interviews on this leak,” the media statement read.
Why do Zuma and Mbeki want Justice Khampepe to recuse herself?
The former presidents want Justice Khampepe to recuse herself, alleging that she was biased and conflicted because of her historical involvement with the NPA and the original TRC.
Zuma even attempted to get President Cyril Ramaphosa to take action and remove the retired judge, but he did not do so. Ramaphosa said he is not empowered to remove her, adding that only the court has that power.
South Africans divided by Zuma’s latest legal attempt
Social media users weighed in on Zuma’s latest legal plans, sharing mixed reactions to it. Some noted his poor track record in court, while others suggested that the former president knew what he was doing.
Hebron Zulu exclaimed:
“He's always in court, and he's never won a case.”
Sanjay Maharaj agreed:
“The old man simply loves courtrooms, and the lost cases that go hand in hand with them.”
Matt Backler stated:
“1001 ways to delay a trial.”
Sipho Ntekiso asked:
“What's he trying to hide? And the South Africans need to know what happened to Thami ‘TZ’ Zulu.”
Nene Shozi stated:
“He's exposing SA’s judiciary system step by step. He might look stupid for now, but later, nizobona.”
Shaun Andrew Nero said:
“If the Judge is not removed, then all the Apartheid cases are null and void. She was a part of the TRC and is now the Judge of the commission.”
Nkosinathi SmartNova Mthokozisi agreed:
“Sisi Khampepe is conflicted and certainly won't adjudicate these proceedings with impartiality.”
Thabiso Mphambaniso joked:
“Zuma's lawyers are becoming rich now. Smiling and going straight to the bank. Appeal after appeal.”
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
