SAPS not looking for Advocate Jiba
Pretoria- The South African Police Service (SAPS) has noted various media reports about a summons issued against Advocate Nomgcobo Jiba and that she was close to being arrested. According to the media reports, this was announced by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Nothing can be further from the truth. The SAPS is not looking for Advocate Jiba and has not issued a summons for her to appear in court.
It is our view that the NPA, who are also complainants in the matter, jumped the gun when they issued a summons against Advocate Jiba.
It is worth mentioning that the issuing of the summons was NOT done in consultation with the SAPS's investigating officer who works at the office of Lieutenant General Vinesh Moonoo, the Divisional Commissioner of the Detective Service. The investigating officer would usually consult with a prosecutor before such a decision can be taken. In this case, the investigation is not yet ready to be put before the Directorate for Public Prosecutions for a decision to be taken on whether or not they should prosecute, nor to issue a summons for any person to appear before a court of law to answer to any charge.
As the SAPS, we are going to engage the NPA soon to inform them of our state of readiness with regard to this case and that when we are ready, we will approach them for a decision on this matter.
Lastly, we have noted allegations in the media that the National Commissioner intimidated the investigating officers or interfered with the investigation. These allegations are not true either. The National Commissioner never spoke to the investigating officers about this matter. The media reports are based on a statement issued by Glynnis Breytenbach of the DA, who also has a vested interest in the matter, because the NPA has requested the SAPS to conduct a criminal investigation into a separate matter against her.
Statement issued by Lieutenant General Solomon Makgale, SAPS, March 25 2015
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