New Prosecuting boss Menzi Simelane is “undeterred” by the court bid that the DA will launch today (Friday) to challenge his appointment. And, says National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesman Mthunzi Mhaga, the DA’s court bid will have no impact on the stability of Mr Simelane’s leadership of South Africa’s prosecutors.
DA leader Helen Zille will this morning file an application in the Pretoria High Court, in which her party will seek a review of President Jacob Zuma’s decision to appoint Mr Simelane as National Director of Public Prosecutions.
President Zuma and Justice Minister Jeff Radebe have thrown their weight behind Mr Simelane – despite Ms Frene Ginwala’s findings that his sworn evidence in her inquiry into ex-National Director Vusi Pikoli’s fitness to hold office was replete with baseless accusations and “left much to be desired”.
Ms Ginwala’s findings later prompted the Public Service Commission to recommend that Mr Simelane’s future at the justice department be determined by a disciplinary inquiry. It is understood that the DA’s application will centre on Mr Simelane’s fitness to hold a position as National Director.
While Mr Zuma has yet to comment on the controversy that greeted his choice of National Director, Mr Simelane this week told The Star that criticism about his appointment was driven by armchair critics who were opposed to transformation.
Mr Mhaga on Thursday said the NPA would deal with the DA’s application when it was filed, but stressed that the court action would not stop Mr Simelane “from doing his job and carrying out his duties”. “As far as the NPA’s stability is concerned, we are focusing on the work at hand. We are undeterred by all of these processes,” he said.
Source: (www.pretorianews.co.za 20091211)
Did you find this information helpful? If you did, consider donating.