JOHANNESBURG. May 4 South African judge. Justice Edwin King, is to head the inquiry into the Hansie Cronje affair which will start hearing evidence on Monday, reports Reuters.

Ngconde Balfour, the Minister of Sport and Recreation, said at a news conference today: "The commission will have a lifespan of one month and will publish a report on June 30 detailing its investigation Into this matter."

Cronje was sacked as South Africa’s captain last month alter admitting he had accepted money from an Indian bookmaker during a one-day series with Zimbabwe and England in South Africa last January.

The inquiry’ commission will be based at the Ministry' of Justice offices in Pretoria.

Penuell Maduna. the Minister of Justice, confirmed that the commission would have no jxiwers to hand out any punishment and that its findings would be presented to President Thabo Mbeki and the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Maduna confirmed that any subsequent decisions will "flow from the findings of the report "

He added it was Iris wish for the hearings, which will be under oath, to be made public.

"But Judge King will have the discretion as to what should be in camera."

Judge King will be assisted by Shainila Batohl.