Thabo Mbeki denies interfering in apartheid-era prosecutions

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has denied allegations that he interfered with the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes. Testifying before the Khampepe Commission of Inquiry in Johannesburg, Mbeki stated he did not direct, authorize, or approve the suppression of criminal cases involving crimes committed under white minority rule.

Mbeki rejected claims that he held secret meetings to secure amnesty for former security force generals, calling such allegations “a complete fabrication”. While acknowledging a meeting with generals took place, he maintained that the discussions focused on the requirement for political superiors to account for their actions before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Amnesty Committee.

Mbeki asserted that decisions regarding criminal prosecutions rested with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). He argued that the NPA must explain why it failed to pursue cases referred by the TRC. The inquiry was ordered by President Cyril Ramaphosa following legal action by victims' families and survivors seeking accountability for unresolved killings and disappearances from the apartheid era.