Mkhwebane probe extended

The independent panel appointed to determine whether there is a prima facie case for Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s removal has been granted an extension to do its work.

The panel – comprised of Justice Bess Nkabinde and advocates Dumisa Ntsebeza and Johan de Waal – held its first meeting last week and made a submission to National Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise for the 30-day period prescribed in the rules for the inquiry be extended to 90 days effective from 25 November.

“This is premised on the fact that the evidence to be assessed is voluminous and the need to provide the public protector with a reasonable period, among other things,” parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said in a statement.

Mothapo said Modise was of the view that the request was reasonable.

“It is imperative the panel is afforded the necessary time required to carefully study the motion and evidence and, as part of its deliberation, also afford the public protector a reasonable period to make submissions.”

Mothapo said Modise had noted that Rule 129X of the Assembly Rules, prescribing the 30-day period, did not provide for an extension and invoked Rule 6, which enables the Speaker to frame a temporary rule to deal with the gap in current rules, such as “unforeseen eventualities”.

On Wednesday, the Western Cape High Court found there was no prospect of success in Mkhwebane’s application for leave to appeal the court’s decision not to halt the National Assembly’s removal proceedings against her. –