Overview
- Parliament rejects claims that Speaker Thoko Didiza is shielding the witnesses, saying her decision followed constitutional and statutory requirements.
- Officials say a summons requires proof a witness refused to appear without sufficient cause, which the committee’s records did not show, and warn premature subpoenas could falter in court.
- Paul O’Sullivan is abroad, requested to testify virtually, offered to appear from an undisclosed South African embassy, and has already engaged virtually and submitted a written statement.
- Oupa Brown Mogotsi raised serious security concerns, including an alleged attempt on his life, participated in virtual consultations, and asked for additional protection beyond Parliamentary Protection Services.
- Didiza directed the committee to formally record how it evaluated virtual testimony and security measures, as the inquiry proceeds next week with parties divided — the ANC supporting her stance and the EFF and MK Party opposing it.