President Jacob Zuma on Friday released regulations for the inquiry into state capture inquiry Justice Minister Michael Masutha said.
''The regulations are authorised under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1947 Act No. 8 of 1947, which provides the legal framework for constituting commissions of inquiry appointed by the President,'' Masutha said in a statement.
''The regulations enable the chairperson to collect evidence and subpoena witnesses to testify before the commission and to present any documentary evidence relevant to the inquiry.''
The regulations were published in the Government Gazette on Friday, said Masutha.
President Jacob Zuma early this year announced deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo as head of the state capture inquiry as per former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela's recommendations that the chief justice Mogoeng Mogoeng recommend a judge to head the inquiry, instead of Zuma appointing one as he was implicated.
Madonsela prescribed that her report should be the basis on which the inquiry is based.It has taken nearly two years for Zuma, who is challenging the report in the courts, to establish the long-awaited commission.
However, in the aftermath of the African National Congress (ANC) 54th national conference, the governing party resolved that the matter be expedited even though Zuma has appealed the December 14, 2017, judgment of the North Gauteng High Court ordering him to appoint the commission within 30 days.
Masutha said a committee led by his department and that of the Office of the Chief Justice has been established to provide the required support to Zondo in setting up the commission.
The commission will investigate allegations that the Gupta family exerted undue influence on government and made billions off lucrative contracts.
- African News Agency (ANA)
