Mokhatla may replace Nxasana

National Director of Public Prosecutions Mxolisi Nxasana has entered into a deal with President Jacob Zuma. Photo: Elmond Jiyane, GCIS

National Director of Public Prosecutions Mxolisi Nxasana has entered into a deal with President Jacob Zuma. Photo: Elmond Jiyane, GCIS

Published May 21, 2015

Share

Johannesburg - Outgoing National Director of Public Prosecutions Mxolisi Nxasana is set to be replaced in the interim by one of his deputies, Advocate Nomvula Mokhatla.

It is understood Mokhatla is likely to hold the fort as an acting head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) until the president appoints a permanent head.

Nxasana is expected to leave his position on 1 June as part of an agreement with President Jacob Zuma which saw the termination of the commission of inquiry into his fitness to hold office.

The commission was set up by the president to look into whether Nxasana was fit to head the National Prosecuting Authority after it emerged he had not disclosed his past brushed with the law.

The commission of inquiry was terminated on the day it was supposed to begin.

It would not be the first time Mokhatla is appointed by the president to act as head of a crucial institution in the criminal justice cluster.

Zuma appointed Mokhatla as head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in 2011 after the resignation of Advocate Willem Heath from the position.

She held the position until Advocate Vas Soni was permanently appointed as head of the SIU in 2013.

Nxasana’s pending imminent departure from the NPA was evident when he did not attend the department of justice and correctional services in Parliament this week.

Presidential spokesman Harold Maloka said the president would announce his decision regarding Nxasana when he has concluded “engaging him”.

“What we said in the statement that the president will pronounce once he has concluded the process still stands, I cannot comment on this,” said Maloka.

Related Topics: