Pikoli must disclose names of those who tried to influence him  

Vusi Pikoli's damning allegations revealed in yesterday's media are the most direct proof yet that our concerns over many years that the justice system is being abused for political purposes by the ANC and President Zuma in particular, are true.

The fact that he has been prepared to make such statements publicly is to be welcomed, however it is concerning that he is not prepared to name the individuals involved. Particularly, mention is made of "a member of the Johannesburg Bar". It is vital that we know particularly who this person is. He or she could potentially stand as a judge or other position requiring the utmost integrity in future, or could already be in such a position. This is clearly untenable for the credibility of our justice system (see City Press report).

In addition, it is a criminal offence in terms of section 41(1) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act to "improperly interfere with, hinder or obstruct the prosecuting authority or any member thereof in the exercise, carrying out or performance of its, his or her powers, duties and functions". Anyone who is convicted of doing so is liable to be sentenced to "a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 10 years or to both such fine and such imprisonment". It is thus incumbent in our view that Pikoli makes these names public.

Failure to disclose the names of those involved makes Pikoli as complicit in the moral bankruptcy he bemoans is bedevilling the ANC, as it will allow them to escape accountability to the public. 

The DA will now consult with our attorneys regarding this latest evidence in support of our claims that the decision to drop charges against President Zuma was irrational and politically motivated. The DA will furthermore continue in our efforts to gain access to the spy tapes and other documents which form the basis of the reduced record of decision, despite the President's delaying tactics at the taxpayer's expense. 

The defence of the most basic principles of constitutional democracy depends on this.

Statement issued by Debbie Schafer MP, DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, October 21 2013

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