ANC lays complaint against Mpshe

2008-11-21 18:01

Johannesburg - The ANC lodged a formal complaint against acting prosecutions head Mokotedi Mpshe with the Public Protector on Friday, the protector's office said.

Treasurer-general Mathews Phosa lodged the complaint with the protector Lawrence Mushwana alleging unlawful conduct by Mpshe, the protector's office said.

The Public Protector's office investigates maladministration, delays in service delivery, and allegations of impropriety or prejudice in government.

On Thursday, Phosa released a letter of complaint that the National Prosecuting Authority and Mpshe had subjected ANC president Jacob Zuma to "the torture of public condemnation and loss of reputation".

"We therefore request that the Public Protector investigate and make findings that the NPA's discriminatory selection of Zuma for prosecution, repeated violation of his fair trial rights... have been unlawful, invidious or in bad faith," Phosa wrote.

Phosa said remarks made by Mpshe in an interview with City Press "reflected a pattern of prosecutorial misconduct".

He felt that Mpshe's remarks showed that he disregarded court rulings.

Mpshe is acting in the position until there is finality on the fate of the suspended head of the NPA, Vusi Pikoli.

The NPA said it was trying to clarify some of the statements made in the interview on his year in office.

- SAPA