NPA mulls next move on Zuma spy tapes

THE National Prosecuting Authority will this week decide whether to comply with or contest a high court judgment ordering it to hand over transcripts of the so-called Zuma spy tapes to the DA.

The transcripts are part of a record of a decision taken by former NPA boss Mokotedi Mpshe to drop charges of fraud and corruption against President Jacob Zuma in 2009.

NPA spokesman Bulelwa Makeke said yesterday the body would this week decide how to respond after careful reading of the judgment — despite the court giving it only five days to comply.

“Surely there needs to be a lot that goes into it, including reading the decision [and reflecting] on its implications. Right now all we can say is that we have noted it,” she said.

James Selfe, chairman of the DA federal executive, said his party would initiate a review of Mpshe’s decision.

“This is a victory for democracy, for accountability and for the constitution. The DA will now consult with our lawyers at the soonest available opportunity to initiate the substantive review into the decision by the NPA to drop charges against President Zuma,” he said.

Judge Rami Mathopo on Friday ordered acting national director of public prosecutions Nomgcobo Jiba to hand over recordings and transcripts of conversations referred to by Mpshe when he formally withdrew fraud and corruption charges against Zuma.

Jiba was also ordered to hand over internal memorandums, reports or minutes of meetings dealing with the contents of the recordings, without compromising the confidentiality of Zuma’s representations to the NPA.

The Supreme Court of Appeal in March last year also ordered the NPA to hand over the material.

Jiba refused on the basis that the order did not require the NPA to produce records that were protected by confidentiality.