Why does Glynnis Breytenbach's reinstatement at the NPA threaten Jacob Zuma's allies? We explain it all in under five minutes.
Breytenbach is one of six candidates whose names were kept confidential when the DA released its consolidated lists of who it wants in Parliament after the elections, according to the Sunday Times newspaper.
DA federal executive chairperson James Selfe said Breytenbach's move would add momentum to the party's campaign.
"Advocate Breytenbach is on the DA's Gauteng list for the National Assembly, in a position which makes her election as a member of Parliament for the DA very likely," he said.
"She will be a valuable addition to the DA's team in Parliament. She is principled and brave with a passion for the law and a sharp eye for detail. I have no doubt she will be an exceptional legislator."
Breytenbach's lawyer Gerhard Wagenaar confirmed to the newspaper that Breytenbach had given notice to the NPA on Friday that she would leave on April 30.
It was believed Breytenbach was the confidential candidate listed at number eight on the DA's Gauteng list.
Disciplinary action
In April last year, Breytenbach was suspended and later faced a lengthy disciplinary hearing on 15 charges, including that she had not acted impartially when investigating a mining rights dispute involving Kumba Iron Ore and Kumba's Sishen mine in the Northern Cape. She was also accused of "improper relations" with Sishen's lawyer Mike Hellens.
On May 27, a NPA disciplinary hearing cleared her of all charges.
The following day, the NPA announced it would bring a court challenge against the ruling because it considered the findings "factually incorrect and legally unsustainable".
Breytenbach was allowed to return to work, but after her return she found the NPA intended sending her to a different office.
She claimed that her suspension was related to her opposition to a decision to withdraw fraud and corruption charges against former police crime intelligence head Richard Mdluli. – Sapa