Alleged Abuse Of Office By NDPP: Public Protector

29 January 2004

The Office of the Public Protector has received numerous media enquiries in connection with complaints lodged regarding alleged abuse of office by the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr B Ngcuka. This statement is issued to respond to those enquiries and to put the matter in perspective.

As some of the allegations made in the complaints to the Public Protector were also referred to during the Hefer Commission of Enquiry, it was decided to allow the Commission to conclude its investigation before an investigation by the Office of the Public Protector would commence. The report by the Hefer Commission has now been studied by the Public Protector and his investigators and a preliminary investigation to determine how the issues raised in the complaints should be dealt with further, has started. This preliminary investigation includes the complaint lodged by Deputy President Zuma.

During the preliminary investigation consultations will be conducted with individuals that can provide more information, where necessary, and the Minister of Justice and the National Director of Public Prosecutions will be approached for their response. Once this process has been concluded, the Public Protector will decide on the process to be followed during further investigations, should it be necessary.

Information about the details of the investigation and the individuals involved cannot be divulged at this stage, for obvious reasons. It is not certain how long the preliminary investigation might take to be finalized. Once the preliminary investigation has been concluded, the Office of the Public Protector will issue a detailed statement to the media on its findings and the way forward. The Public Protector trusts that the media will be understanding and responsible in their reports to the public regarding this matter.
 

Enquiries: Adv Stoffel Fourie : 082 333 5620