Zuma holds off on NPA boss

2009-08-06 21:01

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma said on Thursday he will wait for the court's decision on former NPA head Vusi Pikoli before deciding on a new head for the group.

Zuma said he had prioritised the filling of the position.

The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria will rule on an urgent interdict by axed NDPP head Pikoli next Tuesday. The urgent application is to prevent the appointment of his successor.

Pikoli is challenging a decision to fire him, which came after an inquiry into his fitness to hold office last year.

"The interdict is saying I shouldn't [make a decision] which means I should wait for the court's results, I can't do anything. Whatever the court says I will respect," said Zuma.
 
New chief justice

Zuma also on Thursday nominated Constitutional Court Judge Sandile Ngcobo to replace Judge Pius Langa, who retires from the position of Chief Justice later this year.

Explaining his choice in Pretoria, Zuma said he had taken the decision "properly" and "objectively".

"Ngcobo has more experience in that court [than deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneke]. He has been there for a long time. He has very serious credentials in terms of his experience.

"The fact of the matter is that I have appointed a judge that I believe is capable," said Zuma.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) will also nominate its choice for consideration, however, it is ultimately Zuma's decision.

The JSC recently held interviews for recommendations of the appointment of new judges to the Supreme Court of Appeal and some high courts in the country.

- SAPA