TRC Inquiry postponed as NPA, Ministry seek Adv. Semenya’s recusal

Retired Justice Sisi Khampepe chairs the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Cases Commission of Inquiry on November 10, 2025.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Cases Inquiry has been adjourned until November 26. This is to allow the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Justice Ministry to file a formal application for the recusal of Commission Evidence leader Advocate Ismael Semenya.

The Justice Ministry has objected to the process that it says Semenya has taken in making an agreement with six of the parties that will testify without its input.

The NPA’s objection is based on the fact that Semenya advised it on its prosecutorial policy at some time in the past saying it is therefore inappropriate for him to be involved in the Commission where the state prosecutor is a respondent.

Delivering the order, Commission Chairperson retired Justice Khampepe says, “The National Prosecuting Authority and the Department of Justice are to file their founding papers in the application for recusal by Wednesday the 12th of November and answer that by Monday the 18th of November. A reply if any by Thursday the 20th of November. Written argument is to be filed by the parties by Monday the 24th of November and oral argument is to be heard on Wednesday the 26th of November 2025.”