Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has told a Johannesburg judicial inquiry that he never directed, authorized, or approved suppressing investigations or prosecutions of apartheid-era crimes, and struck no secret deal to shield former security officers. He acknowledged meeting former military and police officers but said the talks aimed to encourage participation in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Mbeki told the inquiry that prosecutors must explain why referred cases went nowhere. The commission received approximately 7,000 amnesty applications, about 300 of which were referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for further investigation and possible prosecution. However, only a handful resulted in successful prosecutions. President Cyril Ramaphosa established the inquiry following legal action by survivors and relatives. Its findings could clarify whether political interference obstructed justice and establish greater pressure on state institutions to resolve outstanding cases.