The Motlanthe Commission

reportedly turned down MDC president Nelson Chamisa’s demand to cross-examine his accusers before the Commission.

Chamisa was invited by the Commission to appear before it and give his testimony concerning the August 1 violence which claimed the lives of at least 7 people. He had asked the Commission to furnish him with details to do with the allegations made against him so that he would be in a position to prepare his defence. According to a Daily News report, the Commission turned down the request. The Commission wrote back to Chamisa:”
The invitation is simply to hear you in
connection with the allegations made against you to the effect that during the period before and after elections you made statements inciting violence.
The commission is not a court of law
and as such the issue of cross-
examination does not arise and none of the witnesses has been subjected to cross-examination.”