Ramaphosa`s advocate argues that there`s no conflict of interest regarding Public Protector`s suspension during hearing.

President Cyril Ramaphosa`s advocate, Karrisha Pillay argued during Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane`s impeachment hearing to have her suspension declared unlawful and to ruin the parliamentary removal process against her on Tuesday.

Mkhwebane's advocate Dali Mpofu, argued that the Public Protector was investigating six cases against Ramaphosa, including the Phala Phala drama and that it constituted a conflict of interest that prevented President Cyril Ramaphosa from suspending her. He said that the suspension came days after she started an investigation into the Phala Phala theft.

According to Section 96 of the Constitution, Pillay said the risk of a conflict only exists if the president derives a private benefit from exercising an official duty.

Ramaphosa`s advocate argued that the only case where it involved the president`s own self interests was the Phala Phala situation and added that the Public Protector Act needed the Deputy Public Protector to fulfil the functions of the Public Protector in the event that she became unable to do so.

The court is expected to hear Mpofu's response and argument as Mkhwebane`s impeachment hearing continues.

By Lulama Klassen