Busisiwe Mkhwebane's Section 194 impeachment inquiry was poised to start questioning the suspended public protector (PP) on damning evidence presented over almost two years. Still, a series of further obstacles were strewn across the tracks. At the resumption of proceedings on Wednesday, Mkhwebane sought to have the inquiry committee chair, Qubudile Dyantyi, recuse himself again. On Friday, another representative from the State Attorney's office in Pretoria, Isaac Chowe, told the committee that Mkhwebane had informed him she disputed his legal status to represent her. Mkhwebane claimed there was a “conflict of interest” as the State Attorney had also instructed the Section 194 Inquiry evidence leaders and that the courts had stated she could appoint attorneys of her choice. Chowe eventually admitted to the committee that Mkhwebane was rejecting representation.
After tea, Dyantyi set the way forward, and there was no legal impediment to the committee continuing its work as no inter Mkhwebane's earlier demands had been for the inquiry to be postponed until Chaabe's recovery. Legal adviser Fatima Ibrahim told committee members that the firm of attorneys played a limited role, and the council did the heavy lifting. Dyantyi said there was no intention to extend the 22 days left and that there was no intention to deplete the R4-million. The committee had been “firm and clear” about respecting the need for ensuring legal representation for the suspended PP, and the committee found itself in a position where “when we take one step forward, then there is a setback of sorts”. Dyantyi described how the committee would go to work. All evidence leaders and committee members were to put in writing all questions about the charges faced by Mkhwebane, and these would be collated and provided to Mkhwebane to respond.
Mkhwebane announced on social media that she would be holding a press conference on Tuesday, 13 June, to present evidence of extortion, bribery and corruption that has been pinned on the ANC chief whip Pemmy Majodina, Dyantyi and Joemat-Pettersson. Mkhwebane claims she has further “audio” to support her husband’s claims. At the meeting, Mkhwebane claims she will present “evidence of extortion, bribery and corruption” that has been pinned on the ANC chief whip Pemmy Majodina, Dyantyi and Joemat-Pettersson. At the meeting, Mkhwebane claims she has further “audio” to back up her husband’s claims.
