Pretoria - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has dismissed claims that they are in crisis and there is low morale.
NPA spokesperson Bulelwa Makeke says these are empty claims intended to create consternation.
“Our track record of high convictions speaks for itself, and more interventions are in place to take this performance to even higher levels. This is [not] something remotely close to what could be regarded as a crisis,” Makeke said on Friday.
Makeke was reacting to criticism in the media by the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC).
Makeke said instead of making a genuine effort to assist all South Africans to better understand the Constitution, the CASAC went off on a tangent and chose to attack the NPA and has “clutched at different straws in an attempt to paint a bleak picture about an agency that is critical in the criminal justice system”.
“CASAC has conveniently omitted to inform South Africans that all prosecutorial decisions invariably enquire into the availability or otherwise of evidence. They are fully aware that it would not only be unlawful to proceed against an accused without sufficient evidence, but it would be unconstitutional.
“Prosecutorial decisions are an outcome of a meticulous and legally guided process. Such decisions are always based on proper consideration of the law and facts of each case. Even more, the existence or lack of evidence plays a critical role in the final decision,” explained Makeke.
She reiterated that as an institution of state, the NPA will always treat and apply the requisite degree of care and prudence in discharging its mandate without fear, favour or prejudice.
“We have a duty towards the victims of crime and the society at large, working together with other partners in the criminal justice system, to ensure that justice is served.” - SAnews.gov.za
