Parties accept report on Zuma probe

Cape Town – The ANC and opposition parties have accepted a special committee’s report on the Public Protector’s probe into Deputy President Jacob Zuma’s complaint against National Director of Public Prosecutions Bulelani Ngcuka.

Mr Zuma lodged a complaint with the Public Protector about Mr Ngcuka’s public statements that there was a prima facie case of corruption against him, but that he would not be prosecuted.

Following days of heated debate, the ANC finally agreed yesterday to record the objections of the opposition parties to three points contained in the committee’s report which paved the way for its acceptance.

The DA, ID, IFP, UDM and ACDP all objected to the committee’s acceptance of the Public Protector’s finding that Mr Ngcuka’s public statement infringed on Mr Zuma’s human rights and caused him to be improperly prejudiced.

The parties also disagreed with the committee’s recommendation that the National Assembly express its disapproval of Mr Ngcuka’s statements.

The opposition parties said they could not express disapproval of Mr Ngcuka’s statement as he had not been allowed to make submissions to Parliament.

Asked if the house would pass a special motion to express its disapproval, committee chairman Ismail Vadi said that by accepting the report the National Assembly would in effect be rebuking Mr Ngcuka.

“Ultimately this was about enhancing the two institutions. Where one overstepped its mark, it has been noted . . . there is no need for punitive action. We need to strengthen both institutions.” – Sapa

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