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Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services, has expressed its deep concern regarding the “critical” vacancy rate at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Committee Chairperson Dr Mathole Motshekga said the Committee is further concerned about the aspirant prosecutor programme, which has been on hold for two years due to funding constraints. “This is unacceptable. The organisation cannot continue to function in this manner.

“If natural attrition is taken into account, where will the NPA get its prosecutors from if it does not continue with the aspirant prosecutor programme.”

Adv Shaun Abrahams, National Director of Public Prosecutions, informed the Committee that the NPA required R71.1 million immediately for personnel within the NPA for the 2017/18 financial year. Critical vacancies amounted to R63 million, which included R27.2 million for 156 aspirant prosecutors for 12 months. The Committee resolved to take the matter forward in an attempt to secure more funds for the NPA.

The Committee also heard that during the first quarter, April to June 2017, the NPA reported on 22 targets of which 15 or 68% were achieved. Some of the achievements for this quarter includes a 91% conviction rate in high courts compared to the target of 87%, a 96% conviction rate in district courts compared to the 88% target and a 94% conviction rate in terms of organised crimes, 4% higher than the target.

Adv Abrahams informed the Committee the allegations of assault against the Zimbabwean First Lady did not reach the NPA, as diplomatic immunity was granted while the matter was still under police investigation. Regarding political killings, the NPA is working with other law enforcement agencies on the matter. Adv Abrahams could not comment on the NPA investigations into the “State of Capture” report, as it investigations have not been completed. However, the Committee applauded Adv Abrahams for the update on work that has been done in this regard and related areas.

The committee also applauded the NPA for the good work it is doing and urged it to continue on this trajectory.

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services, Mathole Motshekga