Pikoli inquiry chairperson Frene Ginwala has dismissed a demand by Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Helen Zille to recuse herself. Replying to a letter by Zille in this regard, Ginwala said letter had been drawn to her attention on Thursday night, ”though I had learnt of its contents via the media”.
Ginwala said she was surprised by Zille’s reference to correspondence between them concerning the inquiry.
”We have no knowledge of such correspondence and trust that you will see fit to send such correspondence to me,” she said.
Ginwala said Zille’s letter was premised on a lack of awareness and understanding of what was required with regard to the inquiry.
”Surely you do not expect me to succumb to any threats or attempts at intimidation from whatever quarter in this inquiry.
”My primary concern is to protect the integrity of the inquiry, and I trust that all South Africans will lend their support to the process, and that all responsible leaders will contribute toward this objective,” Ginwala said.
Ginwala was appointed by President Thabo Mbeki to probe whether suspended National Prosecuting Authority head Vusi Pikoli is fit to hold office.
Mbeki suspended Pikoli on September 24.
In her letter on Thursday, Zille said Ginwala’s long-standing membership of the African National Congress national executive committee and her closeness to Mbeki — a key player in the events around Pikoli’s suspension — objectively disqualified her from fulfilling the functions required in the inquiry.
If Ginwala declined to recuse herself, the DA would brief counsel to appear at the first sitting of the inquiry and move a request for her recusal.
”Should you then persist in refusing to recuse yourself, a postponement of the deliberations of the inquiry will be sought so that the decision not to recuse can be taken on review.
”Should you refuse the postponement, an urgent high court interdict will be sought to prevent you acting as chair of the inquiry, pending the review, and you will be held liable for the legal costs so incurred,” Zille wrote. — Sapa