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Selebi: Mabandla 'not available'
13/12/2007 20:03 - (SA)
Michael Hamlyn
Cape Town - The Democratic Alliance
reckons it can see "ongoing political interference" in the saga of the charges
against the National Commissioner of Police, Jackie Selebi.
The leader of the opposition in Parliament, Sandra Botha, said on Thursday
that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) had attempted to set up meetings
with the Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla to discuss their proposed next
step, but had been unable to secure a meeting. An NPA spokesperson hoped that
the minister's diary would allow for a meeting soon. "It is completely unacceptable that the Minister does not avail herself to
the NPA immediately on a matter as important as this," Botha said. "The alleged
failure of suspended National Director of Public Prosecutions, Vusi Pikoli, to
consult with the Minister about the warrants for Selebi's arrest has been given
as one of the reasons for his suspension."
Botha said that the drafters of the constitution feared that although the
constitution stated that the Minister had final responsibility over the NPA,
there was a real risk of direct political interference, because cabinet members
might seek to use their powers to protect certain individuals.
"The Minister must appreciate how her actions look to the public,
especially in view of the accusations of political interference and protection
of Selebi," Botha said. "The DA calls upon the Minister to make herself
available for consultation immediately. "The credibility not only of the
Minister, but of our criminal justice system is at stake."
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