Mngoma, who is in the process of divorcing Gigaba, was expected to appear on Tuesday but decided to withdraw. 

In a recent TV interview, she revealed that the former minister had a corrupt relationship with the Guptas and frequented their home where he was given cash and gifts.

"We received instructions chair last night that Mrs Gigaba would like to withdraw her participation from the commission and this morning I addressed a letter to the commission advising to that effect," her attorney Gwalisile Makhathini said on Tuesday. 

Reading the letter to the commission, Makhathini said Gigaba was concerned at how various aspects of her proposed appearance were handled or mishandled by the commission.  

She added that she had not had a chance to consult with her client and had no other information to add to the letter. 

Evidence leader, Advocate Anton Myburgh, said he was surprised by Gigaba's withdrawal and advised that she be summoned to appear. 

"What we propose to do is then to issue a summons so that Mrs Gigaba is compelled to come and give evidence before you and she will be at liberty to detail what her concerns are. 

“We understand that it is obviously difficult for you to schedule her evidence immediately but for the purpose of the summons the sooner we get a date the better so we can issue the summons," said Myburgh. 

The commission’s chair, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, approved the issuing of a summons, remarking that it was a surprising turn of events. 

Jacaranda FM