Court told Mkhwebane delayed process

President Cyril Ramaphosa acted without bias when he suspended public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, counsel for the DA argued in the Constitutional Court yesterday.

The apex court is hearing three consolidated applications emanating from the judgment by the Western Cape High Court declaring the president’s decision to suspend her invalid.

The first two applications are for leave to appeal brought by the DA and the president against the high court’s order.

The third is an urgent application for leave to appeal brought by Mkhwebane against an October high court ruling that rejected her bid to immediately return to work when a full bench said the ConCourt was yet to rule on the September order that set aside her suspension.

The judges said this order had no force until it was confirmed by the ConCourt.