I fully concur with the views expressed by President Thabo Mbeki with regard to the functioning and role of the national prosecuting authority . However, I do not agree with the politicisation of cases where people sort out their differences before next year's elections by tarnishing each other's names.

The national prosecuting authority and other state institutions cannot be entirely independent from political influence, particularly from the ruling party.

However, what makes the difference is how people use or apply their political influence. The ruling party should not abuse its power and sort out internal party struggles by using state organs.

When the Scorpions invite the media to American-style arrests and raids, the public then presumes the person is guilty . The presumption that one is innocent before proven guilty by a court of law is a hallmark of our constitution .

With acknowledgements to Lesego Mogotsi and the Business Day.