It's a travesty of justice that TRC cases not previously prosecuted - NPA's Du Plessis

CAPE TOWN - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)'s deputy head of prosecutions, Anton du Plessis, says it’s been a travesty of justice that Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases were not prosecuted previously. 

But the NPA's leadership won't be drawn on whether a commission of inquiry is necessary to determine whether this was as a result of political interference during the administration of former president, Thabo Mbeki. 

The establishment of an inquiry is a key recommendation made by former TRC commissioner, Dumisa Ntsebeza, whom the NPA commissioned to conduct an independent review of its handling of these cases. 

This week, Justice Minister Ronald Lamola told Parliament he was still considering Ntsebeza’s recommendations delivered to the NPA in February. 

The NPA has enrolled several cases and inquests that stem from around 300 cases referred to it by the TRC.

NPA head, Shamila Batohi, and her deputy, Anton du Plessis, say they can't comment on whether an inquiry is necessary to determine why the prosecution of TRC cases stalled before they took office. 

The NPA has appointed a specialised team of prosecutors working in tandem with Hawks investigators to seek justice for victims and their families, despite the passage of time. 

"The commitment from the NPA is there. Whether a commission of inquiry is the right way to go, that’s a political decision," Du Plessis said. 

He said that commissioning the Ntsebeza Report on the NPA's handling of TRC cases demonstrated the NPA's commitment to transparency. 

"For the first time, the NPA has been able to move on TRC cases and I think that’s significant and it's also significant that the national director called for the Ntsebeza Report." 

Du Plessis said if an inquiry was established, the NPA wouldn't hesitate to use the evidence to prosecute where it can.