Ronald Lamola testifies at TRC Cases Inquiry

Former South African Justice Minister Ronald Lamola testified before the TRC Cases Inquiry regarding the handling of unresolved apartheid-era prosecutions. Lamola described his tenure from 2019 to 2024 as a highly successful period for the prosecution of Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) matters, noting that he worked to increase resources and capacity within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Lamola stated that he collaborated with the then-NDPP Shamila Batohi to assign investigators from the Hawks to these cases through a decentralized model. He reported that the number of active investigations increased from 53 cases in April 2021 to 115 matters by March 2022. He also authorized the reopening of inquests into the killings of several anti-apartheid activists, including Chief Albert Luthuli and the Cradock Four.

Addressing the establishment of the current inquiry, Lamola clarified that he did not have the constitutional power to create a Commission of Inquiry into alleged political interference, as that authority rests with the President. He noted that while the government sought legal advice and requested additional funding from the National Treasury to address personnel shortages, his role was limited to making recommendations to the President.