DA requests sight of Jacob Zuma’s representations to the NPA

Helen Zille, Leader of the Democratic Alliance
22 March 2009

I have written to the Acting National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) requesting him to furnish the DA with the representations made by Jacob Zuma and the ANC to the National Prosecuting Authority.
 
The NPA has agreed that the DA has the right to make representations and we shall do so in time for the given deadline of 27 March.
 
I believe that the DA will be in a position to make a compelling case for the prosecution of Jacob Zuma based on information already in the public domain. However, in order to address all the pertinent facts at issue, we require urgent sight of the representations made to the NPA by Mr Zuma and the African National Congress.
 
All indications are that Jacob Zuma’s representations have prompted the NPA to review its decision to prosecute. This is despite the reportedly overwhelming prima facie evidence that obliges the NPA to continue with the prosecution.
 
Press reports on Friday indicated that alleged wrongdoing by former President Thabo Mbeki form the basis of Jacob Zuma’s representations to the NPA. If these reports are true, it would seem that, on face of it, such representations would not be sufficient for the NPA to drop the charges against Mr Zuma.
 
Whether Mr Mbeki has a case to answer in respect of the arms deal is immaterial to the charges against Mr Zuma. If there is evidence that suggests Mr Mbeki acted illegally, then the NPA must charge him and continue with the prosecution of Mr Zuma.
 
Given the uncertainty as to the content of Jacob Zuma’s representations – and the apparently crucial role that they are set to play in the NPA’s decision – it is only proper that the DA is afforded the opportunity to study Jacob Zuma’s representations to the NPA and respond accordingly.