"That President Jacob Zuma can appoint someone that was accused by Frene Ginwala's panel of deceiving Brigitte Mabandla, his former boss and justice minister, and of interfering with the NPA's independence, shows the president's disregard for the independence of the [National Prosecuting Authority]," said De Lille.
She was referring to the Ginwala commission of inquiry into the fitness to hold office of Simelane's predecessor Vusi Pikoli.
Simelane's testimony at that inquiry was slated as "irregular".
Although Ginwala could not find that Pikoli was not fit to hold office, he was fired for not having enough regard for national security.
The Public Service Commission was asked to investigate Simelane's conduct after Ginwala expressed concerns about his interpretation of how far he could interfere in the function of the NPA and his withholding of information from the inquiry.
Justice Minister Jeff Radebe decided not to proceed with the investigation after consulting with the commission.
"Subject to the constitution and this act, no organ of state, and no member or employee of an organ of state nor any other person shall improperly interfere with, hinder or obstruct the prosecuting authority or any member thereof in the exercise, carrying our or performance of its, his or her powers, duties and functions," De Lille continued.
"It is becoming clear that the ANC under Jacob Zuma is no different to the ANC under Thabo Mbeki when it comes to respect for the independence of the NPA," she said.
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