The African National Congress (ANC) on Thursday welcomed the decision by the National Prosecuting Authority to withdraw charges against its provincial treasurer and speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature, Peggy Nkonyeni.
”After conceding to not having evidence to proceed with the case, the ANC feels vindicated as it has always believed in Comrade Nkonyeni’s innocence,” ANC provincial secretary Sihle Zikalala said.
”The ANC calls on all members of society to accept the NPA’s decision. This reaffirms our belief in the rule of law and the integrity of our judicial system. Indeed we have greeted the news with delight and celebration.”
It said the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal, however, remained concerned and regretted that the NPA embarked on this case and charged Nkonyeni without having conducted proper investigations.
”In so doing they cast aspersions on the integrity of Comrade Nkonyeni. [She] had to endure unnecessary criticisms and attacks from opposition parties and the media. Her family has also undergone a very traumatic experience as a result of this case. It is such miscalculated action that undermines the credibility and the integrity of such an important institution, the NPA,” Zikalala said.
He said this case had served as a lesson to opposition parties ”that they should not rush to judgement and find people guilty on the basis of allegations levelled against them.” — Sapa