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ActionSA has objected to the shortlisting of Adv Menzi Simelane, who is plainly not a fit and proper candidate, and whose inclusion is itself an indictment of a process intended to appoint the head of the NPA at a time when South Africa’s justice system urgently requires an unimpeachable steward to restore public confidence in the institution.

Whether considering the adverse findings made against Simelane by the Johannesburg Society of Advocates or the findings of the Ginwala Inquiry, which held that he had misled the Inquiry and provided inaccurate and unreliable testimony, effectively calling his honesty and integrity into question, ActionSA cannot reconcile with the fact that Adv Menzi Simelane was shortlisted in the first place.

ActionSA believes that the role of the NDPP has never been more critical, as the country demands the NPA throw the book at criminals whose brazen lawlessness has been emboldened by a weak prosecuting authority. To be clear, no candidate facing questions over their integrity can be considered fit for the position when what is required is someone beyond reproach.

The cumulative weight of adverse findings, inquiry reports and the likelihood of being struck off the roll hanging over Adv Simelane makes it utterly implausible that a figure so compromised could be considered for the role of National Director of Public Prosecutions, a position that demands absolute integrity and credibility.

ActionSA views this as yet another clear indication that an independent, bolstered and properly resourced NPA is now more essential than ever, and that those entrusted to lead this critical institution must be nothing less than individuals of integrity and competence, and certainly not the dishonest and incompetent cohort that has steered it off course thus far.

Issued by ActionSA Parliamentary Leader Athol Trollip