Zuma signs terms of reference for state capture inquiry

Yesterday,  the head of the inquiry - Deputy Chief Justice, Raymond Zondo said he was still waiting for the terms of reference from the President.

The Commission of Inquiry was announced by Jacob Zuma earlier this month.

Justice spokesperson, Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga says at the moment, the signed terms of reference are being translated into another official language - as is legally required.

"Following the announcement made by President Jacob Zuma on 9 January 2018, on the appointment of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to be headed by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, the legal team started the process of drafting the terms of reference which were eventually signed by the President on 23 January 2018," Mhaga said.

"The publication of these terms of reference will be followed by the release of the regulations which give the Commission the legal competence to conduct the investigation. This includes the power of the Chairperson to subpoena witnesses and of search and seizure," he said.

Mhaga says the department would provide assistance to Justice Zondo "in setting up the required infrastructure and resources necessary for the Commission to carry out its mandate efficiently and effectively." 

"Yesterday, the president signed the terms of reference after which we processed publication thereof expected to be done by tomorrow, 25 January 2018. That will be followed by the regulations that will be released in order to give competence to the chairperson to have powers to subpoena witnesses and conduct search and seizures for investigation into the allegations," he says.