Abrahams must fess up on reasons for Luthuli House visit

24 October 2016

The National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Shaun Abrahams, meeting with the ruling party behind closed doors raises ethical questions and should be condemned in the strongest terms. 

The excuse provided by Abrahams that he visited Luthuli House to discuss student protests with the party’s leader’s falls flat since the Minister of Higher Education, the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Police were not present at this this supposed “meeting.” 

Abrahams must declare publically the real reasons behind his visit to Luthuli House last week and, if he has nothing to hide, must make the minutes of the meeting publically available.

As head of the NPA he must be an impartial actor, moved by considerations of the rule of law and justice, rather than fear, favour or prejudice – as it is stated in section 179(4) of the Constitution. 

According to section 35(1) of Act 32 of 1998, the NDPP is accountable to Parliament – not to the Cabinet or members of the ruling party. 

His visit to Luthuli House is highly questionable and calls into question his ability to properly fulfil this constitutional obligations as an impartial head of the NPA. 

Abrahams’ explanation for his presence at Luthuli House the day before he announced his decision to institute charges against Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan, is logically flawed and does not fool anybody. To seriously suggest that the public believe that he did not discuss the impending prosecution of such a high profile individual is ludicrous.

It is of utmost importance that the NPA remains impartial in fulfilling its obligations, in doing so serving its mandate to act in the interest of the South African public. 

Issued by Glynnis Breytenbach, DA Shadow Minister of Justice, 24 October 2016