POPCRU'S REACTION ON NPA HEAD'S INQUIRY

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) backs the call by the Presidency for an inquiry into the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Mxolisi Nxasana's fitness to hold office. We support the pronouncement made by President Jacob Zuma to probe allegations levelled against Nxasana as it is long over-due and should go ahead as instituted.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has been making noise about the operations of the (NPA) and other critical institutions. Over the weekend the party made unfounded accusations that the Presidency wants to push Nxasana out of the NPA after he reinstated charges against former Crime Intelligence head Richard Mdluli. We understand the inquiry into his case as being informed by his failure to obtain the required security clearance. Therefore his probe has nothing to do with Mdluli.

In the same breath we note the attempts by the Hellen Suzman Foundation to derail the Police Ministry in its quest to suspend Hawks head Anwa Dramat. The union believes the process undertaken by Police Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko in parliament should be allowed to prevail. The Portfolio Committee on Police will be able to assess the allegations Dramat is facing and determine his suitability or lack thereof to occupy the critical office.

As an organisation operating in the criminal justice cluster we cannot sit back and watch as critical security institutions crumble down because of entities who want to stop its principals from disciplining wrong-doing. We call upon those representing Nxasana and Dramat to respect the processes put in place and let the two individuals argue their cases when the right time comes. The two should refrain from fuelling speculation in the media as this does not assist the country nor the Criminal Justice Cluster. We trust they will be granted an opportunity to do so either by themselves or through their legal teams.

Statement issued by Ms Theto Mahlakoana, POPCRU Spokesperson, February 4 2015

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter