THE inquiry into the fitness of Public Protector (PP) Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane to hold office has insisted that it will finish its work within the 22 days it was given by Parliament.
Inquiry chairman Qubudile Dyantyi said they will also not ask for more money for her legal representation.
“We are operating within a tightly determined timeline. Within the 22 days that we are assigned to complete our work, we will do it. We have been given R4 million (for Mkhwebane’s legal team). There's no intention to extend those 22 days and there is no intention whatsoever to deplete the R4 million and ask for more money,” said Dyantyi.
He directed committee members to write any questions they may have in relation to the charges and the PP would be given an opportunity to respond.
He said should the PP wish to respond orally, she would also be given time to do so not later than the day after being provided the questions so that evidence leaders and members could put these questions to her orally.
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“We have done everything to ensure the PP was legally represented,” said Dyantyi.
The committee was supposed to hear further evidence from the suspended Mkhwebane, but she said she was not ready because she didn't have lawyers.
He said if Mkhwebane fails to answer, the committee will have to make its findings based on the testimony already before it. Then they will table the report to the National Assembly.
Mkhwebane blamed the Public Protector South Africa (PPSA) for the delay.
She said nobody contacted her when they were terminating the services of her newly-appointed attorneys, Hope Chaane.
“Now, I was expecting them to have the decency of contacting me by writing or email, and update me that ‘we are saying to the state attorney let them proceed what is your view’. We wouldn't be sitting here,” said Mkhwebane.
PPSA terminated Chaane’s mandate after he was hospitalised.
Mkhwebane contested her suspension in the Western Cape High Court and the court ruled in her favour.
The DA appealed the matter to the Constitutional Court and it has been nine months without an outcome. Mkhwebane said she was confused why the PPSA couldn't appoint another attorney because they managed to appoint Chaane.
Mkhwebane said she still preferred Chaane but if he is not available, she wants RMT Attorneys.
"Public Protector South Africa CEO and deputy PP unfortunately are the ones who are causing this delay and confusion. I think I’ll just indicate that the legal representation is a must unfortunately for you to proceed with this particular matter,” she said.
