/ 1 December 2010

DA: We have a responsibility to appeal Simelane ruling

Da: We Have A Responsibility To Appeal Simelane Ruling

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has applied for leave to appeal a judgement dismissing its attempt to have President Jacob Zuma’s appointment of Menzi Simelane as national director of public prosecutions set aside.

MP James Selfe said on Wednesday the party believed it had a strong legal case, and that a higher court could come to a different conclusion.

“The Democratic Alliance has studied the judgement carefully and has consulted its legal team,” Selfe said in a statement. “The case concerns issues that are of such critical importance to the future of our country and to the integrity of our legal system that we believe we have a responsibility to appeal this judgement.”

Earlier this month, the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria dismissed the DA’s bid to have Zuma’s decision to appoint Simelane as prosecutions boss set aside. The party had argued Simelane was not “a fit and proper person” for the job. — Sapa