Abrahams must explain ‘politicisation’ of NPA‚ says Maimane

16 October 2016 - 17:04 By Roxanne Henderson

Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane wants National Prosecuting Authority head Shaun Abrahams to account to Parliament for the “politicisation” of the institution. Maimane was speaking at a media briefing on Sunday afternoon‚ where he again called on President Jacob Zuma to resign.Maimane said that certain “loyal” state institutions were gunning for those who have opposed Zuma.“The timing and nature of charges most recently brought against the Minister of Finance‚ Pravin Gordhan‚ and the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters‚ Julius Malema‚ has left me deeply concerned.“An impartial and independent prosecuting authority is the backbone of a functioning constitutional democracy‚ where the principle of the rule of law is respected and upheld.“While it may be that both these individuals have a case to answer before our courts‚ one cannot ignore the suspicious timing of the charges‚ especially in light of the contemptible delay tactics being used by the NPA to avoid prosecuting Jacob Zuma for the 783 charges of fraud‚ corruption‚ money-laundering and racketeering‚” Maimane said.READ THIS: He added that it is worrying that Gordhan had expressed his belief that the NPA could not ensure his fair trial.“The DA will not sit by while this assault on such a valuable institution of state continues.“I urge the ANC Chief Whip [Jackson Mthembu] to end his selective-outrage and support our call. It is time for Parliament to call Shaun Abrahams and the NPA to account for their actions.”Mthembu last week expressed his support for Gordhan in Parliament‚ saying "We will be with him‚ some of all the way‚ to wherever he's going … as a disciplined cadre of our movement and as a wonderful finance minister."Maimane said the DA would renew its efforts to ensure the independence of the NPA by pursuing the Private Members Bill‚ first drafted by the late Dene Smuts MP.This to provide for “greater accountability of the NPA‚ and more Parliamentary oversight over the selection of the National Director of Public Prosecutions”. •'Shaun Abrahams won't give me a fair hearing' - Pravin GordhanFinance Minister Pravin Gordhan does not have any confidence in the National Director of Public Prosecutions's ability or willingness to afford him a fair hearing. Maimane said Abrahams had a golden opportunity to prove his capacity to act without fear or favour and prosecute Zuma on the corruption charges reinstated against him the courts.- TMG Digital..

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