The Madlanga Commission has heard a recusal application brought against Chief Evidence Leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson by North West businessman and alleged political fixer Brown Mogotsi.
Mogotsi’s legal representative, Advocate Nthabiseng Mohomane, argued that the application is grounded in concerns over perceived bias and a lack of impartiality on the part of Chaskalson.
Mohomane told the commission that the dispute centres on alleged WhatsApp communications between Mogotsi and Chaskalson.
According to Mohomane, Chaskalson is alleged to have indicated that he would protect Mogotsi in exchange for providing incriminating evidence against North West businessman Sulieman Carrim.
Addressing Chairperson retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, Mohomane said the relief sought is for Chaskalson to be removed from the proceedings and replaced by an alternative evidence leader to handle Mogotsi’s cross-examination.
She stressed that the application is based on the possibility of bias, whether actual or perceived, stating that the concern rests specifically on perceived bias rather than proven misconduct.