President Cyril Ramaphosa has agreed to establish a commission of inquiry into alleged political interference in the prosecution of crimes committed during the apartheid era by security forces.

Ramaphosa made the concession after he and several government agencies were sued by 20 victims or representatives of families impacted by the murder, torture and abductions meted out by apartheid security forces, the Foundation for Human Rights said in a statement on Tuesday. The Foundation is backing the case.

Still, the foundation said, the plaintiffs have rejected the suggestion by the president’s team that the commission deal with a claim for R167-million in damages as the commission “has no power to determine rights and remedies” and can only offer advice.

A spokesperson for Ramaphosa didn’t immediately answer a call for comment.