Statement by The Presidency on inaccurate media reports on the matter between Vusi Pikoli and The Presidency

The Presidency wishes to correct inaccurate media reports concerning the matter between Advocate Vusi Pikoli and the government.

Media reports stated that Former President Kgalema Motlanthe gave an undertaking that he would not appoint a new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) until the court rules on Vusi Pikoli's challenge to his removal as NDPP.

The Former President Kgalema Motlanthe did not give such undertaking. He undertook that he would give Pikoli's legal representative notice before he appoints a new National Director of Public Prosecutions.

Media reports also stated that Former President Thabo Mbeki said he suspended Vusi Pikoli as the NDPP on the advice of the National Security Council (see here).

Former President Thabo Mbeki did not say he was advised by the National Security Council to suspend the NDPP. All he said was that he conferred with the National Security Council.

The Ginwala Enquiry did not declare the suspension of Advocate Pikoli as the NDPP to be unlawful as some media reports also stated.

The Presidency appeals to the media to verify their facts before publishing.

Statement issued by The Presidency, May 27 2009

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