DA requests debate of public importance on politicisation of NPA 

14 October 2016

On behalf of DA Leader, Mmusi Maimane MP, I have today submitted a request to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Baleka Mbete, for a Debate of Public Importance on the growing politicisation of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).  

The DA is deeply concerned by an emerging trend of selective prosecution by the NPA, while other matters – particularly those linked to the President and his friends – are delayed at every opportunity. 

The DA respects the constitutionally enshrined principle of the Rule of Law. This means that any person who violates the law should be made to answer for their crime before a court, without fear or favour. 

For this principle to be given effect to, an independent prosecuting authority must exist – so that all cases are pursued on their merits, and not on the basis of the individual in question.

The timing of charges against EFF Leader, Julius Malema, and the Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan, most recently, is deeply suspicious and alarming. This is especially the case when one considers that the NPA has used every trick in the book to avoid prosecuting President Zuma for the 783 charges of corruption, racketeering and money laundering. 

It is time for Parliament to exercise its oversight role and debate this threat to our Constitutional Democracy. As public representatives, we cannot sit back and allow Jacob Zuma and his friends to capture yet another important institution of state that should be used to protect all South Africans, and not for the pursuance of political vendettas. 

Issued by John Steenhuisen, Chief Whip of the Democratic Alliance, 14 October 2016