WATCH LIVE: State Capture Inquiry
(Courtesy of SABC)
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Zondo notes that it is now after 4pm, but decides to power through and allow Sello to complete her evidence with Mentor, so that tomorrow can be used for the matter of cross-examination.
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Mentor, becoming more and more animated now, explains to Zondo that she has an inclination to vividly remember architectural features and "beautiful things" that she might like.
Mentor: "I can tell you, I had been to the parliament of Brazil. And that was about 10 years ago. I would tell you now, the features of things I like that are still standing, in my memory... there is a blue interior, there are plants inside where, because I noticed the contrast between our chambers and their chambers..."
Mentor: "I had been to the parliament of what is called 'House of Deputies' in Italy. I also vividly remember how, if you ask me now, I will tell you distinct features of how those chambers differ with our chambers. I can tell you the features of the hotel foyer, in 2010, where I stayed."
Mentor: "I love art also, chair. I also love beautiful things..."
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Zondo to Mentor: "There are quite a few details, which you seem to remember very well..."
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Mentor now describes in detail the inside of the home, upon entering, and how it differed from what she had seen in 2010. Mentor mentions a large "structure" as you enter, which wasn't there before.
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Mentor lists some of the changes to the property that she had noticed since her last visit in 2010.
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Mentor raises concerns about her descriptions of features differing from the commission/experts' descriptions of the same.
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Sello says the commission enlisted the services of an engineer and an architect (through the Department of Public Works) during the in loco inspection in Saxonwold. It had been eight years since Mentor had been inside the Guptas' home.
The team inspected specific architectural features, as detailed by Mentor in her prior testimony - a pillar, mural, and staircase, and other details from Mentor's recollection.
11 Feb 2019
While the videos of the in loco inspection of the Gupta compound in Saxonwold by the commission's team has been submitted as evidence, Sello reminds Zondo that he still has to make a decision on how to handle the video that Hellens wanted to submit to the commission, which was shot by the Guptas' own professional videographer.
By the same token, Zondo may also have to make the same decision about another video shot by Mentor's team during the visit.
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Sello now submits into evidence the video of the in loco inspection of the Guptas' home in Saxonwold.
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A suggestion is made to try using Mentor's Voyager number to see if it can provide some clarity on the flights she took, and when.
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The commission is back in session.
Zondo stresses to Mentor just how "quite important" her testimony about travelling from Cape Town to Johannesburg is.
Mentor still maintains that the records from SAA are not accurate. Zondo says that may well be the case, and Sello tells Zondo they may have to bring in someone from SAA as a witness, to testify on this issue.
11 Feb 2019
Guptas want their own video of in loco inspection shown at state capture commission
The Guptas, through their legal representatives, have told the Zondo commission of inquiry into state capture that they want their own video of an inspection of the family's Saxonwold home to be submitted as evidence.
Former ANC MP Vytjie Mentor is back for cross-examination at the commission after giving testimony in August 2018.
Before evidence leader Mahlape Sello managed to delve into Mentor's testimony, Mike Hellens, SC, acting on behalf of the Guptas, made the request.
"The credibility of Ms Mentor is brought sharply into focus in the in loco inspection," Hellens told Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo on Monday.
Three tapes exist: One shot by Mentor and her lawyers; a second by the commission, and a third by the Gupta family's representatives.
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Former president Jacob Zuma's one-time adviser Lakela Kaunda is one of the parties who have applied to cross-examine Mentor.
Sello and Zondo have a brief discussion about how to move forward, before Zondo adjourns proceedings for the lunch break.
Proceedings will resume at 14:30.
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Sello says that according to their records, Mentor had never taken a Monday flight during the period in question, as stated in her testimony. Zondo poses the possibility to Mentor.
Mentor: "I say that I have a problem with these records, and I maintain that I flew from Cape Town to Johannesburg on a particular Monday, and returned on that same Monday back to Cape Town. And that during that visit, I was taken to Sahara and to Saxonwold where I met the president. I stand by that."