President Zuma requests written representations from Advocate Abrahams, Advocate Mzinyathi and Dr Pretorius

15 November 2016

President Jacob Zuma has given notice of his intention to request reasons as to whether to suspend Advocates Shaun Abrahams, National Director of Public Prosecutions and Sibongile Mzinyathi, Director of Public Prosecutions as well as Dr Torie Pretorius, Acting Special Director of Public Prosecutions from their respective offices and whether to hold an inquiry into their fitness to hold office.

The President’s decision follows a request by Freedom Under Law and the Helen Suzman Foundation for the President to suspend the three advocates pending an inquiry into their fitness to hold office. 

Freedom Under Law and the Helen Suzman Foundation raised concerns with the manner in which the three advocates conducted the prosecution of Minister Pravin Gordhan, Mr Visvanathan Pillay and Mr George Magashula.

The President has requested the three advocates to make written representations to him, as to why they should not be placed on suspension and whether to hold an   inquiry into their fitness to hold office.

Issued by Bongani Ngqulunga on behalf of The Presidency, 15 November 2016