Jiba waits on green light from NPA to return to work

LAWYERS for suspended deputy prosecutions boss, Nomgcobo Jiba, are waiting for the green light from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for her to return to work, following her victory in court earlier this week.

The Supreme Court of Appeal this week overturned a high court judgment which disbarred her, alongside special director of public prosecutions Lawrence Mrwebi.

Jiba was placed on special leave after the high court ruled against her.

Jiba’s lawyer, Zola Majavu, told Independent Media: “She is ready to be back at the office… As soon as her employer says she can report for duty she will be willing and ready to report.”

NPA spokesperson Luvuyo Mfaku said there was nothing preventing Jiba from returning to her office.

However, Majuva said the NPA would have to communicate with Jiba on her return.

Majavu said it served no purpose for Jiba to be on special leave because her appeal had come and gone.

“Yesterday we wrote back to them (NPA) to say that now that the appeal has come and gone, what is your response.

“It is up to the employer to say to us she must come back to work tomorrow (Friday) or Monday or she must wait any other matter or as the case may be.

“She cannot just rock up like that,” he said.

The General Council of the Bar of SA (GCB) said it will consider the court ruling and make a decision over the weekend.

GCB chairperson Vuyani Ngalwana said: “The Jiba matter (is) on the agenda.

“We have solicited the views of counsels who represented the GCB at the SCA to give their assessment of the judgment.

“We will take that into account and formulate a view probably by next week”.

Ngalwana said the final decision rested with the court and the GCB wouldl only “consider the judgment and take a view”.