Civil rights organisations have welcomed a Constitutional Court judgment which found the appointment of Shaun Abrahams as the country’s National Director of Public Prosecutions to be unlawful.
On Monday the highest court in the land ruled that his appointment was invalid because he had benefited from former president Jacob Zuma’s abuse of power.
The Constitutional Court directed President Cyril Ramaphosa to appoint a new National Prosecuting Authority head within 90 days.
“South Africa deserves a National Director of Public Prosecutions that will prosecute without fear‚ favour or prejudice. I was there when the NPA was established‚ and I therefore look forward to the NPA again being restored to an institution of prosecutors that prosecutes in favour of the community‚” said Gerrie Nel‚ Afriforum’s head of private prosecution.
Nel said it was important that the NPA regain public trust and that equality before the law prevailed.
'Once again‚ the ConCourt saves SA': Shaun Abrahams ruling welcomed
Civil rights organisations have welcomed a Constitutional Court judgment which found the appointment of Shaun Abrahams as the country’s National Director of Public Prosecutions to be unlawful.
On Monday the highest court in the land ruled that his appointment was invalid because he had benefited from former president Jacob Zuma’s abuse of power.
The Constitutional Court directed President Cyril Ramaphosa to appoint a new National Prosecuting Authority head within 90 days.
“South Africa deserves a National Director of Public Prosecutions that will prosecute without fear‚ favour or prejudice. I was there when the NPA was established‚ and I therefore look forward to the NPA again being restored to an institution of prosecutors that prosecutes in favour of the community‚” said Gerrie Nel‚ Afriforum’s head of private prosecution.
Nel said it was important that the NPA regain public trust and that equality before the law prevailed.
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) also welcomed the judgment.
“Once again‚ the Constitutional Court saves South Africa‚” said Outa’s chief operating officer‚ Ben Theron.
He said the organisation was relieved that a decision had been made that neither Abrahams nor Mxolisi Nxasana should head the NPA.
“This decision gives finality to the matter and encourages much-needed stability in the National Prosecuting Authority. The decision also underlines the abuse of power by former president Jacob Zuma and the rot that flowed from this‚ including the settlement which tainted Mxolisi Nxasana and pushed him out of office and the now-invalid appointment of Abrahams.”
Outa also welcomed the court’s direction that Nxasana must repay R10.2-million of the R17.3-million “golden handshake” he received to vacate his post as former NPA head.
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services said it had noted the judgment.
Committee chairperson Dr Mathole Motsheka said the court’s finding that Abrahams’ appointment was unconstitutional and invalid should bring closure to a long-drawn-out chapter.
“This has led to uncertainty at the NPA. The focus should now revert back to stability and certainty at the NPA.”