President Thabo Mbeki has responded for the first time on his decision to suspend the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), the South African Broadcasting Corporation reported on Thursday.
Mbeki was speaking to the broadcaster on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Mbeki said he believed his decision to suspend Vusi Pikoli was the best way to deal with the conflict that had arisen between Pikoli and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Brigitte Mabandla.
Mbeki said that with the levels of crime in the country, the office of Public Prosecutions could not afford to be embroiled in conflict and stalemate situations.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said on Wednesday it hoped the inquiry into Pikoli would be be held ”expeditiously and fairly”.
In a statement it called on its staff to remain calm and to continue carrying out their duties in the wake of the suspension.
”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. – Sapa