The Ad Hoc Committee has decided to proceed with evidence from businessman Kishene Chetty, despite concerns that his testimony may prejudice his pending court cases. Committee Chairperson, Soviet Lekganyane, stated that they would not be altering their rules to accommodate these concerns, which were initially raised by DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach.
Chetty’s appearance was initially deferred last week, after he spent a day with one of the evidence leaders, Advocate Bongiwe Mkhize, going through the annexures he had submitted with his affidavit. The committee decided to reschedule him for Thursday, and evidence leader Advocate Norman Arendse led the evidence at the start of the proceedings.
Chetty’s Testimony
During his initial testimony on Thursday, the committee heard that Chetty made references in his affidavit to several criminal cases. It also heard that he has been accused, along with dozens of other people and companies, on charges of theft, corruption, and money laundering. The main case was struck off the roll in March 2021 by a magistrate, and that he was subsequently arrested and charged again.
Chetty told the committee that the cases constituted an abuse of power, as one was initially re-enrolled without a certificate issued by the National Director of Public Prosecutions. He added that he has brought an application in the High Court to set aside the cases. Chetty also stated that he had opened a criminal complaint regarding interference, unlawful conduct, and unethical conduct against Investigative Directorate Against Corruption’s investigators Dylan Perumal and Suneel Bellochun, as well as prosecutor Tilas Chabalala in 2022.
Abuse of Power
Chetty said he wanted the committee to understand the abuse of power and how cases were brought on the roll without following court rules. He claimed that when he complains about the investigators and prosecutor, he gets arrested, or they retaliate against him by utilising state machinery. Chetty said he has proof of all of this, and the committee heard that he received a call from the Independent Police Investigating Directorate on Wednesday, informing him that the watchdog body has been requested by the North Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions to take warning statements from the two investigators and the prosecutor.
The following are some key points from Chetty’s testimony:
- Chetty has been accused of theft, corruption, and money laundering, along with dozens of other people and companies.
- The main case was struck off the roll in March 2021 by a magistrate, and he was subsequently arrested and charged again.
- Chetty has brought an application in the High Court to set aside the cases.
- He has opened a criminal complaint regarding interference, unlawful conduct, and unethical conduct against Investigative Directorate Against Corruption’s investigators and prosecutor.
The committee’s decision to proceed with Chetty’s testimony, despite concerns about potential prejudice to his pending court cases, has sparked debate. As the committee continues to hear evidence, it remains to be seen how Chetty’s testimony will impact the ongoing investigations and court proceedings.
