COPE warned South Africa about the appointment of Menzi Simelane as the head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), but we didn't think that his interference in the judicial system would be this crass.

Andre Lambrecht, a chief State prosecutor, was relieved of his duties after allegedly refusing "orders" from both Menzi Simelane and Julius Malema that the state should not oppose bail for "Jub Jub". While the matter is sub-judice, the fact that an illegal drag race that the musician was allegedly involved in resulted in the death of four school children is surely a serious enough case to warrant the contestation of bail by the state. 

The NPA has since said that the demotion has nothing to do with the Jub Jub case, but if this is the truth, then the NPA must furnish specific reasons for what appears to be a punitive demotion.

Menzi Simelane must be made to realize that the Judicial system cannot be run like a personal fiefdom. At all times his decisions must be even handed and transparent.

It comes as no surprise that Julius Malema is also allegedly involved in this episode. It is disturbing that a man who appears to be so duplicitous, populist and morally bankrupt is under the impression that he holds sway over our judicial system. We can only hope that this is just another one of his delusions of grandeur, and not the reality.

COPE calls for the immediate reinstatement of Andre Lambrecht to his position, failing which, reasons for his demotion must be made public in the interests of transparency. Furthermore, we call for Menzi Simelane's immediate suspension pending an investigation into this matter.

Statement issued by Phillip Dexter, Congress of the People, March 26 2010

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