NPA and Justice Dept deny reports of tensions between them

JOHANNESBURG - The Justice Department and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) have rubbished claims of tensions between them following media reports that the two entities are at loggerheads. 

The news relates to the department’s alleged refusal to give the NPA full access to critical information from the State Capture Commission of Inquiry. 

This includes documents linked to the appointment of evidence leaders, advocates Paul Pretorius and Matthew Chaskalson, and Justice Minister Thembi Simelane’s apparent refusal to extend national director of public prosecutions Shamila Batohi’s term after retirement age.

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Both the department and the NPA have denied the reports.

Simelane's spokesperson, Tsekiso Machike, said that the department "is not aware of any tensions between itself and the National Prosecuting Authority" that "the Constitution is clear about the roles and responsibilities that the minister has over the NPA" and that "she continues to discharge those responsibilities in accordance [therewith]".

Machike said further that neither the department nor the ministry had raised concerns around the appointment of Pretorius and Chaskalson as consultants but rather that this was members of the portfolio committee on justice and constitutional development.

In a joint statement issued on Monday afternoon, both the department and the NPA also insist the NDPP "has never sought an extension of her contract or term of office beyond the age stipulated in law".

They further maintain they "have a constructive working relationship".