KZN speaker, MEC arrest warrants stay
2011-07-14 22:24
Cape Town - The warrants of arrest for two senior ANC leaders in KwaZulu-Natal will be executed soon and there is no intention to cancel them at any stage, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said on Thursday.
The NPA was commenting on the process for the execution of warrants of arrest for KwaZulu-Natal economic development and tourism MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu and Speaker of the legislature Peggy Nkonyeni.
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions in KwaZulu-Natal Simphiwe Mlotshwa's signing of the two warrants of arrests on July 4 followed ongoing discussions by the prosecuting team, the police, and the office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) on the assessment of the evidence uncovered and those involved, it said in a statement.
"A decision was made that arrests could be made on those against whom evidence was clearer.
"On the other individuals, an analysis of the evidence and discussion thereof would continue," the NPA said.
However, it was then decided that the other individuals should be arrested.
The NDPP requested the police to hold back the execution of the warrants to enable the prosecuting team to prepare the relevant charge sheet.
This was being done and was expected to be finalised in the next couple of days.
Legally enforceable
"As soon as that process is completed the prosecuting team will brief the NDPP after which an appropriate statement will be issued.
"It should be noted that in law a warrant of arrest remains in force until it is executed or cancelled.
"These warrants remain legally enforceable and will be executed soon and there is no intention to cancel them at any stage," the NPA said.
Mabuyakhulu and Nkonyeni face fraud and corruption charges relating to a R1m "donation" paid by South American businessman Gaston Savoi to the ANC in 2007 in exchange for a R45m government tender.
It is alleged that normal tender processes were bypassed to award a tender to Savoi's company Intaka to supply water purification plants to hospitals and clinics in KwaZulu-Natal.
Mabuyakhulu was the ANC's provincial treasure and Nkonyeni was the health MEC when the deal was concluded.
- SAPA
