/ 23 November 2009

Pikoli’s lawyer to withdraw case

Former National Director of Public Prosecutions Vusi Pikoli's lawyer will withdraw on Monday an application challenging his dismissal.

Former National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Vusi Pikoli’s lawyer will withdraw on Monday an application challenging his dismissal in the High Court in Pretoria.

”I will be withdrawing the application today [Monday],” his lawyer, Aslam Moosajee, said.

He was not certain if his client would attend the hearing.

The government announced on Saturday that it had reached an out-of-court settlement with Pikoli which will see him walk away with R7,5-million.

In return, Pikoli agreed to drop the court challenge.

Pikoli took the government to court after then president Kgalema Motlanthe decided to sack him despite a commission of inquiry partly clearing his name.

Pikoli maintained that he lost his job as NDPP because he decided to prosecute ex-top cop Jackie Selebi on corruption and fraud charges.

Business Day newspaper reported on Monday that President Jacob Zuma was scheduled to meet top African National Congress officials on Monday to discuss the appointment of a new NDPP. – Sapa