New prosecutions head appointed

By Ofentse Mokae
26 November 2009

President Jacob Zuma has appointed Menzi Simelani is the new national director of Public Prosecutions.

The appointment is made days after former prosecutions head Vusi Pikoli accepted a R7.5 million payout to withdraw his legal bid to be reinstated.

Simelane’s appointment is expected to draw criticism.

Former speaker Frene Ginwala found his testimony at the inquiry into Pikoli’s suspension was contradictory and without basis in fact or law.

The Presidency says 39-year-old Menzi Simelani has the necessary experience and qualifications to lead the National Prosecuting Authority.

Last month senior NPA staff were fuming after Simelane allegedly told them after his appointment as deputy prosecutions boss that he was to implement the African National Congress' vision for the National Prosecuting Authority.

Zuma also announced the appointment of 14 judges to various courts across the country.

Among the appointments are those of Lorrimer Eric Leach, Jeremiah Buti Zwelibanzi Shongwe and Zukisa Laura Lumka Tshiqi to the Supreme Court of Appeal.