Pikoli enquiry sparks debate

By Rhodé Marshall
13 October 2007

President Thabo Mbeki’s appointment of former speaker of parliament Frene Ginwala to head the enquiry into the suspended Director of the National Prosecuting Authority Vusi Pikoli has sparked much debate – especially from the official opposition party.

“Dr. Frene Ginwala’s decision not to exclude herself from chairing the Enquiry is most unfortunate.

At the same time it is not surprising that she declined our request, given that she has consistently failed to acknowledge her conflict of interest in this matter,” says Democratic Alliance spokesperson Martin Slabbert.

Speaking on behalf of leader of DA Helen Zille, Slabbert says the DA are planning to brief counsel to appear at the first sitting of the enquiry and also request the removal of Ginwala.

Ginwala however responded in a letter saying that the statements made by the Zille shows of her “lack of awareness and understanding of what is required with regard to the enquiry.”

The former speaker also stated that she would not give in to any threats or attempts of intimidation.