ISS / SJC Seminar: Without Fear or Favour? What Future for an Independent National Prosecuting Authority?

ISS / SJC Seminar: Without Fear or Favour? What Future for an Independent National Prosecuting Authority?
Cape Town, 15 October 2008

 

Joint seminar hosted by the ISS Corruption and Governance Programme and Social Justice Coalition (UCT)

 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has been embroiled in a number of controversies surrounding the prosecution of high-profile criminal cases involving former Deputy President Jacob Zuma and suspended National Commissioner of Police Jackie Selebi. The Directorate of Special Operations – the Scorpions – is also set to move out of the NPA. Many South Africans are now asking what future is there for an independent NPA, which is tasked by the Constitution to prosecute crimes without ‘fear or favour’. Are we doing enough to tackle crimes of the political and business elite? What more can be done to prevent Executive interference in the NPA? What is the implication of the Nicholson Judgement for the NPA? How do we ensure that narrow interest groups do not capture the institutions, which are mandated to uphold constitutional democracy in South Africa?

 

These and other issues will be tackled in discussion and debate at a seminar addressed by Advocate Vusi Pikoli.


Adv Pikoli was National Director of Public Prosecutions from 2005 - September 2007 when former President Thabo Mbeki placed him on suspension. He was formerly Director General and Deputy Director General in the Department of Justice and was also active in the liberation movement. Adv Pikoli was awarded a Special Achievement Award by the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP) in August 2008 in recognition of his dedication to the principles of justice.

 

Date: Wednesday 15 October 2008
Time: 13h00
Venue: Leslie Social Science Building 2A, University of Cape Town

 

Please Note: No RSVP Required

 

For more information contact Natashia Emmett, ISS Cape Town, Tel: (021) 460 0998; Email: nemmett@issafrica.org

 

This event has been made possible through funding received from the Royal Norwegian Embassy (Pretoria)