New NPA boss 'lied to commission'

2009-11-25 16:29

Michael Hamlyn

Cape Town - The man who was accused of lying to the Ginwala Commission which found that Vusi Pikoli was fit person to be reinstated as the National Director of Public Prosecutions, has been appointed in Pikoli's place.

Menzi Simelane was director-general in the justice department at the time of the inquiry into Pikoli's fitness to be the NDPP.

Former National Assembly speaker, Frene Ginwala, in the conclusions of her report said that Simelane misrepresented facts and failed to provide impartial and relevant advice to the inquiry.

She also accused him of withholding documents under his care which were relevant to the inquiry.   

Taking over from Mpshe

Nevertheless President Jacob Zuma announced on Wednesday that he has appointed Simelane to be the next NDPP.

He will take over from the acting director Mokotedi Mpshe on December 1. Mpshe goes back to being deputy director.

"Adv Simelane's experience as the administrative head of the Justice and Constitutional Affairs Department and in the legal fraternity provides him with the necessary skills and capacity to perform his functions efficiently and effectively," Zuma said.

Zuma was given a clear run to appoint a new director after Pikoli withdrew his court case against the president and stopped demanding his reinstatement earlier this week.

No disciplinary steps taken

Although a formal inquiry was set up to inquire into Simelane's conduct before Ginwala in February this year, Justice Minister Jeff Radebe declined to take disciplinary proceedings against him.

Instead, last month he was appointed as deputy national director of prosecutions.

Zuma has also appointed a list of 14 judges to fill vacancies in the Supreme Court and other courts around the country.

They include Jeremiah Buti Zwelibanzi Shongwe appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal.

He recused himself from hearing Zuma's rape trial in the Johannesburg court, because his sister had had a child with Zuma thirty years before.

Justice Lorrimer Eric Leach and Justice Zukisa Laura Lumka Tshiqi are also appointed to the appeal court.
 
 

- I-Net Bridge (News24)