25th November 2009

The appointment of Advocate Menzi Simelane as the new head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) triggers questions and concerns.

During his tenure as Director General of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development his integrity was called into question by the Ginwala Commission, which led to an investigation into his conduct. The findings of this investigation must still be made public and it is therefore difficult to understand why President Zuma would appoint Adv Simelane to this key position while his conduct is still under the spotlight. 

Furthermore, the IFP believes that Adv Simelane lacks the necessary experience and skills to lead the NPA. 

The question must therefore be asked: was Adv Simelane the best person for the job or the best person to follow a particular party line? 

The IFP believes that the appointment of Adv Simelane today will undermine our criminal justice system and it again shows that the Zuma administration is determined to stick to its policy of cadre deployment to key posts, instead of appointing competent, skilled individuals in these positions. 

The IFP believes that Adv Simelane is simply not a suitable candidate for this important position. 

The future independence of the NPA is now at stake - the NPA's ability to act without fear or favour has been dealt a serious blow today.