Justice Minister Thembi Simelane and NPA Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi are at the heart of a heated debate over access to the Zondo Commission’s evidence database.
(The Post News)- Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, has been accused of impeding the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) access to the crucial Zondo Commission database.The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has alleged that the Justice Minister’s department has hindered their access to vital information necessary for prosecuting state capture cases. In a parliamentary meeting held on September 9, 2024, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development refuted these claims.Â
The Zondo Commission, formally known as the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption, and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State, has compiled a comprehensive database of evidence through its investigations to fight against corruption in South Africa. The NPA’s Investigating Directorate (ID) requires access to this database to proceed with prosecutions.
Reports have surfaced that the NPA has been struggling to gain full access to this database, despite sending numerous requests to the Justice Minister’s department. The NPA claims that almost 20 letters have been sent pleading for access, but to no avail.
Justice Minister Simelane, however, has categorically denied these allegations, stating that her department has not obstructed the NPA in any form. She shared that she was not even aware of the location or custodians of the information. Addressing the justice and constitutional development portfolio committee, Simelane expressed her commitment to resolving the issue and emphasised her willingness to cooperate with the NPA.
The Portfolio Committee on Justice has urged for a swift resolution to this dispute, highlighting the importance of unimpeded access to the database for the NPA’s Investigating Directorate. The controversy has sparked a debate on the integrity of the justice system and the commitment to eradicating corruption within the state’s highest rank.
The NPA, led by National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi, insists that while some level of access has been granted, it falls short of the ‘unhindered access’ necessary to fulfil their constitutional mandate. Batohi has been vocal about the urgency of resolving this issue, highlighting the immense pressure the NPA faces to deliver results in high-profile state capture cases.
About the Author
