Failure to hand over Spy Tapes would be a Constitutional crisis

On 16 August 2013, Judge Mathopo of the North Gauteng High Court ordered the National Prosecuting Authority to hand over to the Democratic Alliance the reduced record of decision to drop nearly 800 charges of fraud and corruption against President Jacob Zuma within five days.

This was a victory for democracy, for accountability and for the Constitution. The NPA has until tomorrow to hand over these documents.

In his judgment, Judge Mathopo highlighted the NPA's irresponsibility in not handing over these documents when first ordered to do so. Furthermore, he stated that it is not good enough for President Zuma or the NPA when called upon to disclose documents to hide behind privilege.

The DA is waiting to see if the NPA will do the right thing this time and hand over the transcripts of the so-called spy tapes and other documents relating to the decision to drop charges against President Zuma.

If we do not receive these documents tomorrow and there is no appeal, the NPA will be in contempt of court. This would effectively plunge South Africa into a Constitutional crisis.

South Africa has the right to know if there was a case against President Zuma and if the decision by the NPA to drop the charges was politically motivated. The NPA will now have to answer for this decision.

Statement issued by James Selfe MP, Chairperson of the DA Federal Executive, August 22 2013

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