NPA+sought+to+derail+Nel+probe+-+police,+Alex+Eliseev,+The+Star



=NPA sought to derail Nel probe - police=


 * Alex Eliseev, The Star, Johannesburg, 11 January 2008**

The National Prosecuting Authority made a "concerted effort" to undermine investigations into Scorpions boss Gerrie Nel and prevent his prosecution, police have said.

In a statement yesterday, Gauteng police spokesperson Superintendent Lungelo Dla-mini said prosecutors had refused to look at evidence implicating Nel in criminal activity presented to them in September.

Police had sought to obtain a warrant of arrest for Nel.

Nel was arrested at his home on Tuesday night on charges including corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

He appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Wednesday and was granted R10 000 bail. He is expected to appear in court again on Monday.

Dlamini said: "The prosecutors who were approached refused to even look at the evidence as soon as Nel's name was mentioned. The reasons cited ranged from the fact that Nel is a senior member of the NPA to their involvement being against NPA policy."

Dlamini said police had also approached the NPA to seek its involvement and co-operation in the probe to no avail.

"There was a concerted effort from within the NPA to undermine and derail the investigation."

Police also disputed a statement by Acting National Director of Public Prosecutions Mokotedi Mpshe this week that the prosecutors declined to apply for a warrant of arrest because "there was not sufficient evidence in the docket".

Dlamini said Mpshe had been personally presented with evidence to support the police's version of facts on Wednesday.

NPA spokesperson Tlali Tlali said the NPA stood by Mpshe's statement. - Sapa


 * From: http://www.thestar.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=4201037**

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