Johannesburg - The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Tuesday said it had filed its founding affidavit in the matter between Minister Des Van Rooyen and the Public Protector, to be heard by the North Gauteng High Court on November 1.
“As the complainant in the state capture probe, the DA plainly has a direct and substantial interest in whether and when the ‘Final Report’ into State Capture is released,” said the DA in a statement.
The DA said as an “intervening party” the purpose of its intervention “in this matter of significant public importance” is to ensure that President Jacob Zuma and Van Rooyen do not abuse judicial processes to shield themselves from possible adverse findings of the final report.
“In our opposition to the interdict, we argue, inter alia, that the president and minister’s interdict amounts to interference with the functioning of an organ of the state - the Public Protector - and is inconsistent with the doctrine of the separation of powers,” said the DA.
“Furthermore, that there is no merit to the president’s complaint that he has not had an opportunity to respond to the Public Protector’s questions. The president was made aware of the allegations levelled against on 22 March 2016.”
“We are prepared to challenge this matter until justice prevails and President Zuma and his circle are brought to book for their involvement in this sordid web of lies, corruption and deceit.”
African News Agency