Jiba and Mrwebi suspension a victory

25 October 2016

The DA welcomes the Presidents’ notice of intention to suspend Deputy NDPP, Nomgcobo Jiba, and head of the NPA’s commercial crime unit, Lawrence Mrwebi, pending an inquiry into their fitness to hold office.  

Although overdue, this intention bodes well for ridding the NPA of those who wish to compromise our nation’s prosecutorial integrity.

In September this year the North Gauteng High Court granted an application by the General Bar Council to have Jiba and Mrwebi removed from the roll of advocates. 

This judgement was not handed down lightly and confirms that both of these individuals are not fit head up prosecutions in our country’s courts.

Both Jiba and Mrwebi will have an opportunity to present their arguments as to why they should not be suspended but will be hard pressed to convince any sound minded person that they should not be suspended.

The DA has long held that Jiba is unfit for office and have been to court to ensure her removal. While she was acting NDPP, Jiba managed to incur the criticism of twelve judges, on four benches, in three different matters. 

She has also been accused of lying to the court, failing to comply with court orders, ignoring deadlines, failing to exercise an independent mind, and “shielding irrational and illegal actions from judicial scrutiny”. Clearly she is not fit for office.

Issued by Glynnis Breytenbach, DA Shadow Minister of Justice, 25 October 2016