MDC president Nelson Chamisa is set to appear before the Motlanthe Commission today to give his testimony over the deadly post-election violence of August 1. Some witnesses told the Commission that Chamisa incited the demonstrations which became violent, and later put down after armed soldiers were deployed. The Commission wrote to Chamisa on November 14 inviting him to come and give his side of the story today [November 21]. The Commission spokesperson John Masuku said they expect Chamisa to appear before it today. Masuku had this to say
The commission is expecting Mr Chamisa to appear before it tomorrow (today) therein they will discuss with him the contents of his letter and see what to do, there is no response yet to the letter which he sent and was received by the chairperson, but he is expected to attend.
Chamisa had raised issues in his letter to the Commission dated November 16, issues he expected to be clarified before he gave his testimony. In the latter, Chamisa wrote
Further, and in the interest of due process and my natural and constitutional rights, would I stand assured that an opportunity to cross-examine the witness who ‘mentioned [my name] as among those who played a part in inciting the violence of 1 August 2018’ will be availed, since the sole basis of my invitation is his, her or their testimony.
I note, in particular, that the basis of the invitation appears to emanate from testimony and allegations made by a witness to the effect that I incited violence. I consider the allegation to be malicious. Since my response to this contrived allegation is required, I consider it “fair and just” that I should be afforded all the relevant information relating to the allegations so as to enable me to prepare adequately. I kindly, therefore, ask the commission to favour me with the full transcript of the relevant part of the testimony; to better understand the nature, circumstances, scope and credibility of the allegations made against me.
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