ANC Caucus Statement on the Report of the Ad-hoc Committee on Adv. Pikoli

 The ANC Parliamentary Caucus notes the findings of the parliamentary joint ad-hoc committee (see here) which was convened to deliberate on the President's recommendation to Parliament regarding the future of the National Director of Public Prosecutions.

The multiparty ad-hoc committee was set up in January to determine the correctness of the President's decision to remove the National Director Advocate Vusi Pikoli from office.

The committee has found that, in acting against the National Director, the President complied fully with the provisions of the National Prosecuting Authority Act, and that he has thoroughly applied his mind in his decision to dismiss him from his post.

In arriving at this conclusion, the committee thoroughly and carefully considered the invitees' oral and written representations and took into cognisance all opposing and supporting views by various parties involved.

Caucus agrees, amongst others, with the findings of the committee that Advocate Pikoli has demonstrated a scant regard for matters of national security, which made him unfit to hold the office of the National Director.

Lack of sensitivity to national security issues was one of several adverse findings made by the Ginwala Commission of Enquiry against Advocate Pikoli.

It is our view that due regard to matters of national security is an important quality for the post and one of the factors necessary for determining whether one is fit and proper to hold the office.

Adv Pikoli's lack of deference for and appreciation of these matters was evident in the way he, amongst others, dealt with the Browse Mole Report, the search and seizure operation at the Union Buildings and the execution of the warrants in connection with the arrest and prosecution of Mr Jacky Selebi.

The committee will recommend in form of a report to the sittings of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces this afternoon that the decision by the President to remove the National Director be accepted by Parliament.

Caucus supports the decision of the committee.

Statement issued by the ANC Parliamentary Caucus, February 12 2009

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