The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it hopes the inquiry into its suspended head, Vusi Pikoli, will be held ”expeditiously and fairly”.
In a statement on Wednesday, it called on its staff to remain calm and to continue carrying out their duties in the wake of the suspension.
The national director of public prosecutions (NDPP) was suspended ”with immediate effect” on Monday by President Thabo Mbeki.
According to a Government Communication and Information System statement that day, the decision to suspend Pikoli was taken ”on the basis of an irretrievable breakdown in the working relationship between the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development [Brigitte Mabandla] and the NDPP”.
An inquiry will be held to investigate the matter and make recommendations to Mbeki.
The NPA said it is dealing with the challenges posed by Pikoli’s suspension to the best of its ability.
”The management of the NPA has urged all members of staff to continue to carry out their duties and to remain calm … We trust that the inquiry will be help expeditiously and fairly.”
Mbeki has appointed Pikoli’s deputy, Mokotedi Mpshe, as acting NDPP.
Parliamentary opposition parties were unmoved on Tuesday by the Presidency’s explanation of the suspension of Pikoli.
”We appreciate the fact that we have been called, but we would have appreciated it more if we had been told why this drastic step has been taken,” parliamentary Democratic Alliance leader Sandra Botha said after a meeting with the Presidency.
Freedom Front Plus MP Willie Spies said: ”We have left with more questions than there were answers.” It appeared as if the Presidency was busy with ”damage control”, he said.
The meeting at the Presidency at the Union Buildings in Pretoria lasted almost two hours.
Reacting to reporters’ questions following the meeting, Chikane said it was not a breakdown of the personal relationship between Pikoli and Mabandla that had led to the suspension, but rather in the structural relationship determined by the Constitution where ”something had gone wrong”. — Sapa