STATEMENT BY SIZWE MCHUNU IS RECKLESS AND MISDIRECTED

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize has rejected a reckless and misdirected statement by Sizwe Mchunu of the Democratic Alliance calling for him (premier) to explain why charges against the Speaker of the KZN Legislature Peggy Nkonyeni and MEC for Economic Development and Tourism Mike Mabuyakhulu were withdrawn (see here).

"The latest erroneous statement by Mchunu is aimed at misleading public and to create a dangerous impression that the Provincial Government has a role to play in this matter. The National Prosecuting Authority must account for its decisions to charge, arrest and withdraw these charges."

"I have always maintained that institutions of justice must be allowed to do their work independently without any interference from any leader of a political party."

"While this matter was subjudice, the DA continued to make public statements that were clearly aimed at influencing the case - raising suspicions that the party and its leaders had access to information that ordinary citizens did not have."

"Sizwe Mchunu and other DA leaders were at the forefront, mounting pressure and calling for the execution of warrants of arrest of Nkonyeni and Mabuyakhulu even before they were formally informed and charged."

"While others may be tempted to view the conduct of the DA as both political interference and pure political opportunism, I strongly believe the party has done irrespirable damage to the NPA and caused serious dent to the independence of the criminal and justice system."

Statement issued by the Office of the KwaZulu-Natal Premier, August 19 2012

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