Judicial,+Parliamentary+intervention+on+Vusi+Pikoli+matter,+YCL




 * YCL Media Release, 13 January 2008**

=Judicial, Parliamentary intervention on Vusi Pikoli matter=

The Young Communist League of South Africa calls for immediate parliamentary or judicial intervention on the Vusi Pikoli matter in order to ensure that the matter is speedily, fairly and openly resolved. We believe that the only way that Pikoli can find fair justice regarding his suspension, and likely dismissal, can be through either parliament or a credible judicial institution such as a court of law.

Recent developments in the matter regarding the alleged irregularities on the part of the state when it submitted evidence begins to question the impartiality on the part of the Ginwala Commission and the extent of its willingness to hear and judge the matter in fairness. We are also concerned about the fact that the Commission does not have the judicial powers or standing compared to either parliament or a court of law.

What also brings to question the credibility of the Ginwala Commission is the fact that President Thabo Mbeki, who already has an interest in the matter, as he is the one who suspended Vusi Pikoli as NPA boss, appointed it. In that regard, the President is acting as both prosecutor and judge, and thus reducing the Ginwala Commission into a Kangaroo court of no legal standing. This has unfortunately become the order of the day with regard to our 'country's rule of law'. This further happens when the so-called 'best legal minds' are throwing their weight behind this charade, as displayed by both George Bizos and Arthur Chaskalson.

We are further worried that the Ginwala Commission has conducted its business outside the public eye, and that for justice to be fair, it needs to be seen to be fair. This comes in the midst of confusion and public interest on the real reasons why Pikoli was suspended, and whether the President is protecting Jackie Selebi from prosecution or not and whether he has sought to influence the NPA on prosecuting ANC President Jacob Zuma before the ANC Conference. The public has a right to know, and the days of unnecessary state secrecy and public confusion should be forgotten. We hope that the matter will be speedily resolved.


 * Issued by Buti Manamela, National Secretary, Young Communist League**


 * For more information contact: Castro Ngobese - National Spokesperson**

By e-mail

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