Fikile Mbalula denies involvement in apartheid-era TRC investigations

Former police minister and ANC Secretary‑General Fikile Mbalula testified before the Khampepe Commission, which is probing alleged delays and obstruction of investigations and prosecutions stemming from South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases. Mbalula said, "As Minister of Police, I was never involved in TRC cases. I did not have authority to determine, direct or provide resources to any investigations relating to the TRC cases," and added that he never met with victims’ families or received briefings from police investigators or prosecutors.

He emphasized that the police minister’s role is limited to policy, not operational policing, and asserted that any decisions about postponing work, such as reports that the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation delayed some cases until after the 2010 FIFA World Cup, were outside his remit. Mbalula also noted that compensation for victims should follow proper legal processes and acknowledged families have waited too long for answers. The commission adjourned with plans to resume hearings later.