Simelane's first day at NPA

2009-12-01 16:33

Johannesburg - Newly installed National Director of Public Prosecutions Menzi Simelane began his first day on the job on Tuesday.

"Yes he did report for work," said an official in his office.

A media spokesperson was not immediately available to comment but the justice department's Tlali Tlali said they understood that Simelane had reported for work.

On Monday Justice Minister Jeff Radebe defended Simelane as opposition parties and some advocates objected to him succeeding Vusi Pikoli whom he had testified against at an inquiry last year. Pikoli was subsequently fired.

The inquiry, chaired by Frene Ginwala, raised concerns about Simelane's conduct while giving testimony, but it was later decided not to take the matter further against the former justice department director general.

Senior advocate Pat Ellis has meanwhile asked the Pretoria Bar Council to consider Simelane's conduct in the matter.

- SAPA