NPA tells Justice Committee it's still waiting for access to Zondo Commission database

CAPE TOWN - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it's still waiting for access to documents requested from the database of the Zondo Commission of inquiry. 

The head of the Investigating Directorate against Corruption (IDAC), Andrea Johnson said talks are still ongoing for easier access to the repository of evidence used during the state capture commission.  

Last month, parliament’s justice committee stepped in, in efforts to resolve the NPA's ongoing battle with the Justice Department for unfettered access to the documents.  

READ: Zondo on State capture prosecutions: 'The pace is not satisfactory'

The NPA was before parliament’s justice committee on Friday to discuss its annual report.  

IDAC's Johnson said over the past month, there have been several meetings with officials responsible for the Zondo Commission database regarding access for her prosecutors.  

She said IDAC is still waiting for a reply from the Director General of justice on questions related to legal issues.  

READ: Batohi assures Chief Justice Zondo's State capture work won't be in vain

"We have provided them again with a list of the documents that are still outstanding because we have alluded that there were requests that are still outstanding, and they are in the process of ensuring that all outstanding requests are dealt with," said Johnson.  

Meanwhile, NPA head Shamila Batohi has dismissed claims the situation has caused tensions with Justice Minister Thembi Simelane. 

"There's no issue with the national director’s relationship with the minister. we have a good relationship. We have a meeting scheduled quite soon," Batohi said.  

Johnson said all efforts are being made to resolve the impasse as amicably as possible.