Why is Zuma singling out Nxasana?: Cope
As the probe into the fitness of Mxolisi Nxasana to hold office as the national director of public prosecutions starts‚ the Congress of the People (COPE) asked: Why is the president singling him out? The Cassim Inquiry hearings will be held at South African Law Reform Commission in Centurion.The inquiry‚ put on ice for six months after it was first announced in July last year‚ was revived in February by President Jacob Zuma.“Cope wants to know why was Nxasana appointed in the first place? Did the president’s advisers mislead him?” asked Cope spokesman Dennis Bloem.Nxasana has continued in office with a cloud over his head since June last year‚ when the government first raised concern about his past brushes with the law‚ which include being tried for murder in 1985 - he was acquitted.“Another serious question is now at the fore: Is there a weakness in the (State Security Agency) vetting process? How did someone who needed top security clearance for appointment succeed without the necessary clearance?“Why is the president singling out Nxasana?”COPE also raised questions over why Nxasana’s deputy Nomgcobo Jiba “remains unaffected even though the Supreme Court of Appeal found her unfit for office”.Bloem also cited the example of a KwaZulu-Natal high court branding her “dishonest” as well her being the subject of an inquiry by the Pretoria Bar Council.aJiba made an appearance on charges of fraud and perjury in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court last month.The case was postponed until June 10 for documentary evidence to be disclosed.The charges relate to the failed attempt to prosecute KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major-General Johan Booysen on charges including racketeering.The National Prosecuting Authority decided to charge Jiba last year after the High Court in Durban set aside her decision to charge Booysen‚ finding that there was no material on which to rationally authorise the prosecution.The inquiry which starts on Monday will be chaired by advocate Nazeer Cassim SC‚ assisted by advocates Lindi Nkosi-Thomas SC and Sthembiso Mdladla...
There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.
From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.
For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.
Already subscribed? Sign in below.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.