Justice Minister did not have power to establish TRC inquiry: Lamola

August 11, 2026 18

Former Justice Minister, Ronald Lamola, says he could not establish a Commission of Inquiry into alleged political interference in unresolved apartheid-era prosecutions, arguing that the power to do so rests with the President.

Testifying before the TRC Cases Inquiry on Tuesday, Lamola said he inherited a justice system in 2019 that was struggling with limited resources and capacity, including a TRC unit making slow progress on outstanding cases.

He says the 2022 Rodriguez judgment became a turning point, prompting renewed calls from victims’ families for an inquiry into the delays and alleged political interference.

Lamola says government sought legal advice on how to respond, but establishing a Commission of Inquiry was ultimately beyond his constitutional powers as Justice Minister.

Justice Minister did not have power to establish TRC inquiry: Lamola Nonhlanhla Harris

He says his role was limited to making a recommendation to the President and supporting a commission once established.

Lamola also told the Inquiry that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) had raised concerns over funding and a shortage of personnel, while families of apartheid-era victims were becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of progress.

He says government approached National Treasury for additional resources and worked to strengthen both the NPA and police investigations.

Justice Minister did not have power to establish TRC inquiry: Lamola | By X9 Converter

Lamola maintains that prosecutors remained independent in deciding whether cases should proceed, despite growing allegations of political interference.

The TRC Cases Inquiry is investigating whether political interference contributed to delays in prosecuting unresolved apartheid-era crimes and whether government failed victims who have waited decades for justice.

@TRC_inquiry
The proceedings are adjourned and will resume tomorrow, Wednesday, 12 August at 10h00.

The inquiry will hear evidence of former Swedish Policeman Jan Ake Kjellberg and the then Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Adv Paul Fick pic.twitter.com/k8oQz7JefP

— TRC_inquiry (@TRC_inquiry) August 11, 2026