Zondo Commission break-in 'borders on treason'

The State Capture Commission, chaired by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, says the break-in at its offices will not affect hearings set to take place this week, notes a Business Day report. Spokesperson for the commission Mbuyiselo Stemela said a computer and a monitor had been stolen. The break-in on Saturday night comes four years after a burglary at the office of the Chief Justice in Midrand, during which 15 computers containing sensitive information on Constitutional Court judges and officials were stolen. Political analyst Ralph Mathekga said the break-in at the state capture commission’s office was worrying and bordered on treason. ‘Was it a political decision not to provide security? It could be that the aim of the burglary is to frustrate the work of the commission,’ he said. ‘This is no ordinary case; this is treasonous in my view.’ The State Capture Commission, which started its work in August 2018, was established by former President Jacob Zuma to investigate allegations of state capture and corruption in the public sector, including the role of the Gupta family. The commission, which has until the end of June to complete its work, will hear evidence from National Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise, National Council of Provinces chair Amos Masondo and ANC chair Gwede Mantashe this week.