It is shocking and outrageous that the ANC's in-fighting and power struggle has landed us in this trouble. What is even worse is the fact that it has been done with millions of rand of taxpayer's money.
It is furthermore of great importance to note that the National Prosecuting Authority is still convinced of the merit of their case against Mr. Zuma. It is however ironic that the NPA prosecution of Mr. Zuma is now being stopped in order to restore the credibility of the National Prosecuting Authority after gross irregularities by the former head of the NPA, Adv. Leonard McCarthy, in a total abuse of power and actions which is in contradiction to the Constitution and specifically section 179(4) which determines that the NPA has to exercise its functions "without fear, favour or prejudice".
It is furthermore inconceivable as to how the NPA could for eight years with great diligence put so much energy into and spend so much taxpayer's money in the case against Mr. Jacob Zuma, to now suddenly decide not to continue with the case.
It appears as if the South African public has the whole time been taken for fools while the National Prosecuting Authority was abused to sort out internal ANC fights. According to calculations between R60 and R100 million of taxpayer's money has been spent to investigate Mr. Zuma's case and more than R10 million was used to assist with the defence of Mr. Zuma.
The decision not to prosecute Mr. Zuma further will inevitably seriously reflect on the credibility and ability of the National Prosecuting Authority. It appears that the decision not to prosecute him, is based upon the interference of certain political individuals such as Mr. Bulelani Ngcuka and not necessarily based upon new evidence of the charges against Mr. Zuma. It is ironic that the Prosecuting Authority now has to let the prosecution go, in order to restore their credibility.
The core question is - what interest did Bulelani Ngcuka have in this? Who and what is behind Bulelani Ngcuka? These are questions which have to be answered immediately.
The credibility of the judicial authorities in South Africa is directly tied to the credibility of the National Prosecuting Authority. The FF Plus believes now more than ever that an independent Judicial Commission of inquiry, consisting of three senior Appeals judges, has to be appointed to not only investigate the arms deal but also to look into what had happened at the National Prosecuting Authority. Such a commission will propose possible prosecutions or disciplinary steps in order to prevent a similar situation from ever existing again. It is the only way in which the National
Prosecuting Authority will be able to repair its credibility and integrity. We have definitely not heard the last word about this unfortunate saga.
Statement issued by Freedom Front Plus leader, Pieter Mulder MP, April 6 2009
Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter
