SUSPENDED Public Protector (PP) Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane stormed out of the Parliament’s committee for Section 194 that is probing her fitness to hold office on Monday, 4 April.
She was angry that committee chairman, Qubudile Dyantyi ruled that they would continue without her legal representatives at the inquiry.
Before the hearing started, Mkhwebane said she could not continue without her lawyers.
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She said the letter written by acting PP Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka on Friday that there were no funds for her defence put her in a position where she was left with no legal representation.
"I couldn't give further instructions because the legal team was hoping that by the weekend you will be giving them a solution to the problem," she said.
She said Advocate Dali Mpofu joined the meeting only to clarify issues if the committee wanted him to but not to represent her.
"I think I have mentioned that I am here alone. I don't have my legal representation. As a committee, you are obliged to act according to what the Constitutional Court has said. Secondly, you have got directives which are very clear on what process to be followed," she said
The Constitutional Court ruled that Mkhwebane was entitled to legal representation at her impeachment.
"Unless I receive something, which would say in writing, ‘here are the resources’ then I can proceed with them with the inquiry,” said Mkhwebane.
She said she came because she respected the process and wanted to account to Parliament.
Dyantyi ruled that the meeting would continue with evidence leaders giving “landscape” to members in the case faced by Mkwhebane.
Mkhwebane interrupted the chairman and told him that he was unfair to continue without lawyers to help her.
"You are not going to interject while I’m speaking,” said Dyantyi before he asked her to be muted.
"Can I be excused, chair?" asked Mkhwebane.
Dyantyi said if she wanted to leave, she was free to do so.
He said: "If you elect to do that, it’s fine."
MPs were divided on the issue, some saying the committee should continue while others said the process would be unfair to her.
