Ramaphosa will not appear before state capture inquiry as initially planned

There will be no state capture inquiry appearance by President Cyril Ramaphosa next Monday and Tuesday.

This was announced by the inquiry on Thursday afternoon.

The announcement of his non-appearance comes just two days after the commission chairperson confirmed appearance dates of May 31 and June 1 for the president.

The presidency confirmed that Ramaphosa was asked by the commission to postpone his appearance.

It remains unclear why the postponement was requested.

“Further information will be communicated in due course,” said commission spokesperson Reverend Mbuyiselo Stemela. “The suitable alternative dates for Mr Ramaphosa's appearance will be communicated.”

Ramaphosa was going to appear in his capacity as president of the republic, having previously presented himself at the same forum as head of the ANC.

In a statement, the presidency said: “The president's office is in communication with the commission to secure suitable alternative dates for his appearance.”

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