The Democratic Alliance (DA) invites the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to engage in the proposed amendment bills that are currently before Parliament, tabled by the DA, which will ensure the NPA’s independence.
The Eastern Cape High Court has ruled that the NPA is not entitled to clarification on the court’s acquittal of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso on charges of rape. This will hamper the NPA’s case in the Supreme Court of Appeal and may lead to yet another resounding loss in the fight against Gender Based Violence.
Restoring the NPA’s capacity to send criminals to jail is central to making South Africa safe for its citizens and eradicating gender-based violence. The DA’s campaign to fix the NPA and shield it from political interference will improve the lives of all South Africans, and we invite the prosecutorial body to give its input on the party’s proposed legislative amendments.
While the increasing number of failed prosecutions is a cause for great concern, the Democratic Alliance believes that the NPA can be restored as a body that provides justice to the millions of South Africans that are exposed to crime daily. We call for the NPA to come to the table to ensure that the bills being developed by the DA directly address the issues they face on the ground.
The Bills being developed by the Democratic Alliance will have the NPA report directly to Parliament and consequently to the people of South Africa. The top structure of the NPA (National Director of Public Prosecutions, Deputy National Directors, Directors and Special Directors) should be appointed by the President only after a public participatory process with Parliament holding the body accountable.
Over the past 30 years the NPA’s decline has been facilitated by political interference and this must be stopped.
South Africa cannot turn the tide on corruption and crime without an independent NPA that prosecutes criminals without fear, favour or prejudice.
There has never been a more critical time for all stakeholders to set aside their differences and join the DA in our fight to rescue South Africa.