Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Brigitte Mabandla formally introduced Vusi Pikoli, the newly appointed boss of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), to the institution’s staff on Tuesday, saying she expects the best from him.
”I am expecting that in the next five years there should be a further qualitative improvement in delivery and in levels of excellence in the services that you provide.
”Advocate Pikoli, good wishes and I know you will deliver,” the minister told Pikoli — who also has the title of National Director of Public Prosecutions, and as such is the NPA boss.
She was speaking at a function in front of his staff at the NPA’s Pretoria headquarters.
Pikoli, who was appointed almost two weeks ago, takes office as head of South Africa’s top crime-fighting unit amid the exodus of senior officials and pending talks about the Scorpions’ future.
He replaces Bulelani Ngcuka, the NPA’s founding head, who quit his post after much criticism following the prosecution of top African National Congress members.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Pikoli arrived with Mabandla; Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Johnny de Lange; the NPA’s former acting head, Silas Ramaite; and Willie Hofmeyr, the head of the asset forfeiture unit.
The NPA was established in 1996. Its function is to institute and conduct criminal proceedings on behalf of the state.
Pikoli, who quipped that he was surprised to see such a huge turnout at the meeting, pledged to treat accused persons with dignity, sensitivity and to work closely with South Africa’s other law-enforcement agencies.
”We shall serve with integrity. I think that it what is required of this institution, and this we shall do together,” he said. ”In our work, we shall be guided by the Constitution and the law.”
He said his immediate challenge is to build confidence in the NPA. But he cannot do much to stop those who want to leave the institution.
De Lange said the Scorpions should keep on doing its work until such time that things change.
”They must keep on acting in terms of the law and the Constitution. If there is ever a policy decision taken, they clearly will know about it,” he said.
Mabandla, who praised Ngcuka for his work at the NPA, said Pikoli is ”equally able” to lead the NPA.
She said talks to split the NPA into two — with the Scorpions being handed over to the police — are still under way.
”The matter is still being discussed. There is not any policy as yet … to move the Scorpions. But it’s not even about moving, it’s about alignment,” the minister said.
She said there has always been a concern that there should be collaboration among the country’s law-enforcement agencies.
A recent Cabinet lekgotla (meeting) agreed to move to establish cooperation among South Africa’s law agencies, she said. — Sapa