Khayelitsha inquiry suspended

Helen Zille. File photo by Dumisani Sibeko.

Helen Zille. File photo by Dumisani Sibeko.

Published Nov 8, 2012

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Johannesburg - The commission of inquiry into allegations of police inefficiency in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, has been suspended, the commission said on Thursday.

“The minister of police and seven other police applicants have filed papers for an urgent interdict to stop the work of the commission,” commission spokeswoman Amanda Dissel said.

“In view of this application, the commission will not proceed with the public hearings.”

It was due to begin its work on November 12 and continue until December 14. A full report was due on February 24, 2013.

Western Cape premier Helen Zille established the commission in August to investigate police inefficiency in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. It was headed by retired judge Catherine O'Regan and advocate Vusi Pikoli.

Zille cited a breakdown of trust between Khayelitsha residents and the police as the reason for doing so.

Dissel said the commission would give notice of the date when hearings would resume. It would depend on the outcome of the litigation.

On Tuesday, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa filed court papers challenging the establishment of the Khayelitsha commission of inquiry.

The matter would be heard in the Cape High Court on November 12. The ministry's lawyers would also challenge the commission's subpoenas, served on some police officers in the province.

Sapa

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