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
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