Section 89 Panel failed to meet evidence threshold: Adv. Trengove

Advocate Wim Trengove, President Cyril Ramaphosa's legal representative, has challenged the Western Cape High Court's decision to uphold the Section 89 Independent Panel report. Trengove argues that the panel did not meet the necessary threshold of evidence. The panel was chaired by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo. Ramaphosa had sought to have the report set aside.

At a hearing in the Western Cape High Court, Judge President Nolwazi Mabindla – Boqwana asked Trengove to define what constitutes sufficient evidence. Trengove responded that sufficient evidence would be present if there was enough incriminating evidence and a satisfactory response from the President. He stated, "I would suggest that what sufficient means is to say, having regard to the incriminating evidence and the President’s response, is there enough meat to this case? Is there enough evidence to warrant a public inquiry?"