Publication: Independent Online Issued: Date: 2007-09-24 Reporter: Sapa

Pikoli: 'Immense National Implications'

 

Publication 

Independent Online
Date

2007-09-24

Reporter

 Sapa

Web Link

 www.iol.co.za

 

The suspension of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Vusi Pikoli had "immense national implications", Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille said on Monday.

Her spokesperson Martin Slabbert said Zille would ask the party's justice spokesperson, Tertius Delport, to request that the justice portfolio committee be recalled as soon as possible "for a full briefing" on President Thabo Mbeki's decision.

They are on a three-week recess at present.

This followed an announcement from the presidency that Mbeki had suspended Pikoli on Monday.

"This decision was taken on the basis of an irretrievable break down in the working relationship between the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and the NDPP," said Government Communications and Information System's spokesperson Themba Maseko.

He said the suspension was in terms of Section 12 (6) (a) of the National Prosecution Act 32 of 1998.

Maseko said Mbeki considered the relationship between the Minister and the NDPP central to the effective administration of justice and the "smooth functioning" of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

"The relationship breakdown had adverse implications for the NPA and the functioning of the criminal justice system," he said.

He said an enquiry would be instituted to investigate the functioning and role of the NDPP. Recommendations would then be made to the President.

Deputy National Director Mokotedi Mpshe has been appointed as acting director.

"Government would like to reassure all South Africans that the functioning of the justice system will not be compromised, especially within the context of the collective challenge to fight crime," he said.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and Independent Online.