Zondo set to deliver recusal ruling on Wednesday

The application has been brought by former president Jacob Zuma, who wants Zondo removed as the commission's chair.

After hearing arguments from Zuma’s legal representative Muzi Sikhakhane and evidence leader, Advocate Paul Pretorius, on Monday, Zondo was expected to give the ruling on Tuesday.

However, Zondo said that he still had some documents to study before delivering his judgment.

"I'm still working on it. I have got some documentation to go through.

"I'm going to use today to work on the judgment. So, we are going to adjourn and resume tomorrow (Wednesday) at 10 (am)," Zondo explained.

Sikhakhane told Zondo that Zuma would like to place on record a statement in response to Zondo’s statement on Monday.

In the statement, the deputy chief justice denied being friends with the former president.

Sikhakhane said the statement “may or may not put in dispute” some of the things Zondo had stated in his.

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He also said his client will not be at the commission on Wednesday as he has a funeral to attend.

Zondo allowed the absence with the understanding that Zuma would be back at the commission on Thursday.

Zuma's application to have Zondo recuse himself as chairperson of the commission was argued on Monday.

Zuma has cited Zondo’s alleged bias and the fact that the judge fathered a child with his ex-wife's sister as the reason for the application.

Sikhakhane argued that his client was justifiably "fearful" of appearing in a commission that had reinforced the perception that he is a criminal.

Sikhakhane said the commission fed into what they believe is a narrative that Zuma “is the man who destroyed our country”.

He also told the commission that the inquiry's selection of witnesses was also a cause for concern.

Pretorius - during his argument - said there was no merit to the application.

He said there was an apprehension of bias, but no actual bias was proven by the applicant.