NPA boss must ‘talk straight’

Acting National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) boss Silas Ramaite was repeatedly urged to respond to questions directly when he was interviewed yesterday for the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) job he is vying for against other candidates.

“The problem, Advocate, you are not answering questions directly,” chair of the advisory panel Minister Jeff Radebe intervened as Ramaite was taking a question from panellist Advocate Lawrence Manye.

“That is the frustration this panel is having. You are being asked direct questions, you are being very philosophical referring to the House of Lords ...

“When we are here in South Africa we want to know what’s happening at NPA. What’s your road, if you are appointed as the NDPP?

“I have not heard you on these matters. For example, Advocate Manye says in 2015 you were acting director of public prosecutions. I had expected you to say during the time, these are the decisions that I took.”

At one point, another panellist, Auditor-General Thembekile Kimi Makwetu, remarked that Ramaite had deprived the panel of the opportunity to get insight into the NPA.

Another panellist, Advocate Jaap Cilliers said Ramaite’s answers were concerning.

“I would appreciate it if you answer in more practical terms. It seems to me you agree that, at present, the NPA is in a crisis. Would you agree to that?” Cilliers asked the acting NDPP. Ramaite, however, disagreed. “As we speak now, no. Not as we speak now. At the time that I was asked to act, there was certainly a big challenge. Especially at head office level.

“If you look at what is currently happening now, in the offices of the directors of public prosecutions, there has been a lot of improvement in terms of the work; work that is currently being done,” he said.

Cilliers went on: “Are you saying at this stage, the message that you have, as the acting NDPP since August, there is no concern from the public or the president [Cyril Ramaphosa] relating to the office of the NPA?”

Ramaite said as far as he knew, “there shouldn’t be any concern”.

The interviews are set to run until Friday, when the panel will make recommendations to the president. – ANA

You are being very philosophical referring to the House of Lords ... When we are here in South Africa we want to know what’s happening at the NPA.