JOHANNESBURG - Former NDPP Shamila Batohi’s withdrawal from the Nkabinde Inquiry has raised accountability concerns.
She had played a central role in initiating the process and advising the President.
Her move had effectively closed the enquiry’s fact-finding phase, with no further witnesses expected.
UKZN senior criminal law lecturer, Dr Suhayfa Bhamjee, said Batohi’s actions were disappointing.
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“I think technically she has already withdrawn in December, and what the commission and everyone else was waiting on will she would come back, won't she come back. Now it's final, she said she is just not coming back, full stop.
“That brings the inquiry itself to a close. It brings rings fact-finding to a close. NPA evidence leaders have closed their case, which means they have no other witnesses to bring, and now we will see how the actual inquiry unfolds. It’s very disappointing that she has not continued her testimony. We can understand other witnesses, but she was the person who put this into action. Made the recommendation to the President, and just not to come forward, it is very disappointing.”