The chairman of the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo had something to laugh about as he gave an update on the inquiry in Parktown, Johannesburg.
Zondo worried of allocated time
The highly-anticipated state capture inquiry is likely to take two years to complete its work, six months more than the time allocated in the terms of reference, commission chair Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo said yesterday.
Previously, 180 days had been set aside for the commission to complete its investigations, hearings and final report, but after an assessment this is not going to be possible.
The commission’s work could take even longer depending on the investigations and whether those called to testify make themselves available.
The controversial Gupta brothers and former president Jacob Zuma’s son Duduzane, who are central to allegations of state capture, did not pitch for the inquiry held by parliament’s portfolio committee on public enterprises despite being subpoenaed.
Zondo is also quite aware that the commission might even exceed the two-year assessment.
“It may well be [that] investigations go on [and] we find that actually there needs to be more time than that,” he said, briefing the media yesterday.
Zondo said he had discussions with President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding the time frame set out for the commission, which the Presidency was looking into.
He said a possible option would be to approach the high court and ask it to change the time frame or set it aside and allow for a different one.
The Zondo Commission of Inquiry is looking into malfeasance in which high-profile politicians, including former president Zuma, have been implicated. Zondo said the commission was hoping to start the first of its hearings in August.