A dramatic turn unfolded at the national inquiry on Tuesday as civil society groups and legal experts urged the commission to order immediate arrests following a witness’s explosive testimony detailing alleged corruption, intimidation, and deliberate manipulation of state processes.
The witness, whose identity is temporarily withheld for safety reasons, delivered a detailed account said to implicate several high-ranking officials in serious wrongdoing. Her testimony, described by commissioners as “direct, coherent, and materially significant,” triggered heightened security measures inside the hearing room and widespread public reaction outside it.
Soon after proceedings adjourned, advocacy organisations called for urgent action, arguing that delaying arrests could compromise evidence and endanger whistle-blowers.
“After her testimony, the Commission should order immediate arrests. The allegations are too serious, and the risks too great, for further delay,” said one legal observer affiliated with a public accountability watchdog.
However, legal analysts cautioned that while commissions of inquiry hold substantial investigative power, they cannot themselves issue arrest warrants. Instead, they must refer actionable evidence to law-enforcement bodies, who then determine whether charges and arrests are legally justified.
“The public expectation for swift justice is understandable,” said constitutional law expert Thandi Mbele. “But due process requires the NPA and relevant investigators to assess the testimony, corroborate facts, and ensure arrests can stand up in court.”
The Commission’s chairperson confirmed that all testimony and accompanying evidence would be forwarded to prosecuting authorities “without delay,” emphasising that witness protection remains a top priority.
As the inquiry continues, the nation now watches closely to see whether the revelations will translate into rapid legal action — or whether the call for immediate arrests will remain a point of public pressure rather than a procedural reality.
