This is a response to a statement by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Bulelani Ngcuka, that he would not prosecute Deputy President Jacob Zuma.

The law should always run its course. In this case, the perception is that justice has been derailed.

The number of allegations, counter-allegations and accusations surrounding the Scorpions' investigation into Zuma did South Africa an injustice. But we still hoped that the matter would be resolved in such a way that we could have closure on the matter and that justice would ultimately be done.

Yet, despite the fact that the investigation team has said that they have enough evidence for a prima facie case of corruption against Zuma, Ngcuka has apparently decided not to prosecute.

The NNP fails to understand why Ngcuka has gone against the recommendation of his own investigation team.

His argument that their prospects of success in a criminal case were not strong is no reason to decide not to prosecute.

All the law requires for a prosecution is a prima facie case, which the investigation team says it has.

The NNP asks: What has happened to the concept of due process?

A decision not to prosecute is not in Zuma's best interest; all it now means is that the cloud of suspicion continues to hang over his head. And the perception will live on in the minds of people that Ngcuka buckled under political pressure.

Justice has not been served. The NNP urges Ngcuka to explain why he has decided against his own team's recommendation.

Ngcuka owes South Africa an explanation.

We also urge him, in the interest of justice, to reconsider the matter. This decision is not in the deputy president's, or South Africa's, best interest.

Carol Johnson MP
NNP spokesman on justice, Parliament

With acknowledgements to Carol Johnson and The Mercury.