Johannesburg - NPA security head Tshilidzi Ramahana wrote to the NPA's CEO defending himself after receiving a suspension notice over the security clearance of NPA head Mxolisi Nxasana, the Mail & Guardian reported on Friday.
National Prosecuting Authority chief executive Karen van Rensburg apparently sent Ramahana a suspension notice on Tuesday, citing “gross insubordination and gross misconduct” for refusing to take responsibility for Nxasana's failure to disclose a murder he was acquitted of 29 years ago.
Ramahana also refused Van Rensburg's instruction to write to President Jacob Zuma and new Justice Minister Mike Masutha exonerating Nxasana.
In the letter, Ramahana questions Van Rensburg's decision considering comments she allegedly made about charges against Zuma.
“My further apprehension is that you (Van Rensburg) had already indicated to us in a meeting held on May 23, 2014 that you find it odd that (Nxasana's) fitness to hold office is being challenged on the basis of alleged crimes he committed many years ago, whereas the very same president of the country was charged for rape and corruption, but his fitness to hold office is not challenged,” he said in the letter, a copy of which was seen by the newspaper.
Nxasana was appointed by Zuma last year. Last week it was reported that former justice minister Jeff Radebe instructed Nxasana to resign a few days before the new Cabinet was announced.
Nxasana had reportedly not been given a security clearance because of past brushes with the law, and he refused to resign.
Nxasana vowed to challenge the matter in court or an inquiry should he be fired. - Sapa