Prosecutor slips in as NPA boss

19 June 2015 - 02:08 By Graeme Hosken

The National Prosecution Authority's third permanent boss in six years appears to have the street cred to ensure some of the country's top thugs are prosecuted. Shaun Abrahams, who has put international terrorists behind bars along with apartheid-era killers, was officially appointed NPA head yesterday.His biggest challenge will come when he has to ensure that the NPA files papers over the President Jacob Zuma spy tape saga, which saw corruption charges against the president dropped by former NPA head Mokotedi Mpshe.The NPA has until Monday to file its heads of arguments in the matter.His appointment, which has raised some eyebrows , follows the golden handshake given to his predecessor, Mxolisi Nxasana, last month.Nxasana had several of Zuma's trusted allies in his sights, including suspended former police crime intelligence chief Lieutenant-General Richard Mdluli, and his deputy at the NPA, Nomgcobo Jiba, who is currently facing charges of fraud and perjury.Abrahams said yesterday he was "excited and honoured" to have been appointed to the position."I am absolutely overwhelmed. I am extremely honoured that the president and his leadership have faith in me to lead such an important institution," he said.Justice ministry spokesman Mthunzi Mhaga said Abrahams had been appointed after a thorough interrogation of his CV...

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