DODGY APPOINTMENTS AND MISDEEDS IN OFFICE
When prosecutions head Shaun Abrahams announced that fraud and perjury charges against NPA senior managers Nomgcobo Jiba and Lawrence Mrwebi would be dropped, nongovernmental organisation Freedom Under Law challenged the decision in court. As things stand, the courts agree with the Helen Suzman Foundation and Freedom Under Law that Berning Ntlemeza was not fit and proper for the job. But the former head of the Hawks wants his job back, even if Police Minister Fikile Mbalula has withdrawn the state from the fight.
Fallout: The Ntlemeza matter was always less about him than it was about the Hawks. As the appeal court said again last week: “The proper functioning of the foremost corruption-busting and crime-fighting unit in our country dictates that it should be free of taint.” The Hawks is one of the institutions widely said to be politically compromised.
Timing: Not yet known. Ntlemeza is still preparing his application to the appeal court for leave to appeal and only then will further dates be set.
Corruption Watch: Take back
Corruption Watch, Freedom Under Law and the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution have challenged the “voluntary” departure in 2015 of then NPA head Mxolisi Nxasana, which came at a cost of R17.3-million. Fallout: If the court undoes the golden handshake, it would mean the appointment of Abrahams, the incumbent prosecutions boss, could also be undone. Nxasana said in April that Zuma had lied under oath in his papers in the case. The organisations are keen to explore an allegation of perjury by the president on a matter of public interest.
Timing: The case is expected to be heard in November. If Zuma wants to challenge perjury allegations, he must do so by June 20.
DA: Firing Gordhan and Jonas at the same time was irrational
Zuma rearranged a large chunk of his Cabinet at the end of March. But he went too far by firing Gordhan and his deputy, Mcebisi Jonas, says the DA. Zuma’s irrational actions spooked the markets.
Fallout: The first skirmish revolves around the records Zuma must release, including the elusive “intelligence report” he supposedly relied on in his decision. Which looks to be an embarrassingly dubious (and possibly illegal) document.
Timing: The DA won its application in the high court to get access to the record of decision, which Zuma is seeking to appeal. This week, the DA will ask for an urgent appeal court date.
Molefe: Put me back in charge of Eskom
Brian Molefe wants the Labour Court to place him back at Eskom’s helm. Fallout: Molefe all but stood accused of being an important player in state capture when he left Eskom. He almost immediately became an ANC MP, neatly linking the party to the state capture allegations. If he returns to Eskom after the subsequent drama, or lands a hefty golden handshake, it will look all the worse. Timing: The hearing is likely to be in court at the end of June.