‘I won’t sell my integrity,’ vows Gerrie Nel
VETERAN prosecutor, advocate Gerrie Nel, yesterday vowed that his departure from State prosecutions and joining civil rights group AfriForum would not compromise on his prosecutorial values and principles.
“When I was approached by AfriForum, my main concern has always been that everybody should be equal before the law. I’ve known, read and have seen that there is more and more perception that there might be selective prosecutions,” Nel said, addressing reporters in Pretoria.
“If that is so, then it’s absolutely brilliant to have an organisation that ensures that everybody is equal before the law.”
“I’ve not had a single question about my political affiliation – at any discussion with AfriForum. I’ve never had a political agenda, and I don’t have one now.
“I’ve been a prosecutor for 36 years and I think I’ve built up integrity that I’m proud of. I won’t sell my integrity and do something that I don’t believe in.”
Nel challenged South Africans and the international community to closely follow his career and observe if he lost focus.
He said the private prosecutions would not be pursued through the media.
“We have decided not to prosecute people through the media. I think it’s a hurtful and harmful process of splashing all over the media who you are pursuing and what you are pursuing. Once we have decided to pursue a certain matter, we will certainly do so,” said Nel.
He was with AfriForum chief executive Kallie Kriel at the strongly attended media conference.
Nel said it had been a tough decision to take the AfriForum offer to initiate and lead the private prosecuting unit.
Nel led the prosecution of a number of high-profile cases, including that of disgraced former Paralympian Oscar Pistorius, who killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp in his Pretoria house in 2013. Nel, known for his no-nonsense approach when doing cross-examinations in court, enjoyed a stellar career and served the National Prosecuting Authority for more than 30 years.
Other celebrated cases included the prosecution of the late former national police commissioner and head of Interpol, Jackie Selebi, whom Nel nailed for corruption, and who was sentenced to 15 years.
He served a few months before he was released on medical parole in 2012.
Nel also led the prosecution against Clive Derby-Lewis and Janusz Walus, who were jailed for the murder of struggle hero Chris Hani in 1993.
GERRIE Nel may have bitten off more than he could chew by opting to quit the National Prosecuting Authority and join AfriForum.
Nel was South Africa’s top prosecutor. He was the man who sent former SAPS National Commissioner Jackie Selebi to prison.
He was also the one who held on and ensured Reeva Steenkamp got justice by ensuring her boyfriend and killer, Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorious, went to prison.
Nel set the standard for other prosecutors and won the label “bulldog” for his tenacity.
However, by joining AfriForum, Nel has thrown his lot in with a white, right-leaning Afrikaner group that has a reputation of being anti-government.
AfriForum wants Nel to head up a new unit that will pursue private prosecution. However, there is only one prosecuting authority in South Africa and that is Nel’s former boss, the National Prosecuting Authority. It is unlikely to give up its mandate, least of all to an organisation seen as reactionary.
With five years to go before he retires, Nel had an important role to play in the NPA. It is a pity he opted to use his skills to fight against the State rather than for it.