Ramaphosa grants extension to Khampepe Commission probe into apartheid-era crimes
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the Khampepe Commission investigating alleged interference in apartheid-era prosecutions until December 2026, allowing more time to examine unresolved TRC-related cases and accountability claims in South Africa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the term of the Khampepe Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating allegations of interference in the prosecution of apartheid-era crimes.
The Presidency confirmed that the commission will now continue its work until 18 December 2026, allowing it additional time to finalise its investigations and submit a comprehensive report.
The judicial commission was established in May 2025 following mounting pressure from families of apartheid-era victims, who approached the courts over claims that efforts had been made to block the investigation and prosecution of cases arising from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
Its establishment formed part of a settlement agreement reached between the government and the victims’ families, marking a significant step in addressing long-standing concerns about accountability for crimes committed during apartheid.
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The commission, chaired by former Constitutional Court Justice Sisi Khampepe, is tasked with probing whether there were deliberate attempts to frustrate justice by preventing cases recommended by the TRC from being pursued.
According to the Presidency, the commission recently requested more time to complete its work, citing the complexity and scope of the issues under investigation.
President Ramaphosa considered submissions both in support of and opposing the extension before granting the request.
"The president has given the commission until 18 December 2026 to submit its final report," said Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.
The extension is expected to give the commission sufficient time to conclude outstanding investigations, hear remaining evidence, and compile its findings on whether political or institutional interference delayed justice for victims and their families.
The outcome of the inquiry is likely to have far-reaching implications for accountability, reconciliation, and the credibility of South Africa’s justice system in dealing with unresolved apartheid-era crimes.
