President Zuma reaches a settlement with Mr Nxasana

31 May 2015

President Jacob Zuma has reached a settlement with the Head of the National Prosecution Authority (NPA), Mr Mxolisi Nxasana, in terms of which Mr Nxasana will vacate his position as National Director of Public Prosecutions from 1 June 2015.

The President had during July 2014 informed Mr Nxasana of his decision to institute an enquiry in terms of Section 12(6)(a)(iv) of the National Prosecutions Authority Act 32 of 1998 in order to determine his fitness to continue to hold such office.

Mr Nxasana had subsequently challenged the President's power to suspend him in the North Gauteng High Court.

Pursuant to discussions and consultations held responsibly and in good faith, the parties recognised that protracted litigation and the holding of an enquiry are not in the best interest of the NPA, Mr Nxasana, nor the government at large and, consequently, the President ceased the holding of such an enquiry.

The Government recognises that Mr Nxasana is professionally competent and possesses the requisite experience and integrity required to hold a senior position.

The President expresses his sincere gratitude to Mr Nxasana for his contribution to the work of the National Prosecuting Authority and wishes him well in his future endeavours.

The President has in terms of section 11(2)(b) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act, 1998, appointed the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Mashau Silas Ramaite, as Acting National Director of Public Prosecutions, with effect from 01 June 2015.

Statement issued by Harold Maloka, The Presidency, May 31 2015