Call to open NPA probe to public

National Prosecution Authority boss Mxolisi Nxasana

National Prosecution Authority boss Mxolisi Nxasana

Published Jul 8, 2014

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Johannesburg - The inquiry into NPA head Mxolisi Nxasana's appointment should be open to the public and its mandate broadened, the Democratic Alliance said on Tuesday.

“The DA calls on President (Jacob) Zuma to publish the terms of reference for his announced inquiry into the appointment of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Mxolisi Nxasana,” parliamentary leader Mmusi Maimane said in a statement.

The inquiry should assess the fitness to hold office of other presidential appointees, notably deputy NDPP Nomgcobo Jiba and National Prosecuting Authority specialised commercial crime unit head Lawrence Mrwebi.

“There has yet to be any stated clarity on the reasons for the launching of this inquiry, whether or not Mr Nxasana will be suspended, and the exact terms of reference,” Maimane said.

“The DA firmly believes the inquiry must be open to the public if it is to be seen as fair. This is the precedent that was set by the Ginwala Commission of Inquiry into the former NDPP, Vusi Pikoli, and it must be repeated.

“If we are to have faith in the reasons of this decision to institute an inquiry, then the president must urgently announce the terms of reference,” Maimane said.

Zuma needed to make it clear it was open to the public and would be a broad investigation into a number of questionable NPA appointments.

On Saturday the presidency said in a statement that the inquiry decision was made in terms of the National Prosecuting Authority Act.

This followed careful consideration of all the matters before Zuma.

“The details regarding the establishment of the inquiry will be communicated to the public in due course,” the presidency said.

Sapa

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