JOHANNESBURG - Former Police Minister Fikile Mbalula insists he played no role in investigations or prosecutions linked to Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases during his tenure.
Mbalula testified before the Khampepe Commission, which is investigating delays in the handling of TRC cases.
The commission is probing allegations that, in the post-apartheid era, senior police officials and prosecutors deliberately delayed or obstructed investigations into TRC-referred cases.
"As Minister of Police, I was never involved in TRC cases," Mbalula told the commission.
"I did not have the authority to determine, direct or provide resources for any investigations relating to TRC cases, nor did I determine or influence decisions relating to the prosecution of those cases.
"I played no role whatsoever in the TRC cases. I did not hold meetings or consultations with any family members related to the TRC cases. I did not receive briefings from police investigators handling TRC cases, nor did I receive briefings from members of the National Prosecuting Authority responsible for prosecuting those cases."
Mbalula said the families of apartheid-era victims have waited far too long for justice and deserve answers.
He was responding to allegations that the state unlawfully delayed, obstructed or abandoned investigations and prosecutions into apartheid-era crimes referred by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Mbalula said the alleged failure to investigate and prosecute these cases amounted to a violation of the constitutional rights of victims and their families, including their rights to equality, dignity, life and bodily integrity.