JUSTICE DEPARTMENT ADDRESSES ACCESS TO STATE CAPTURE COMMISSION DATA BEFORE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
By Thulane Madalane
PRETORIA — In a crucial presentation before the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development on Tuesday, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms. Thembi Simelane, alongside Advocate Doc Mashabane, Director General of the Department, and Advocate Shamila Batohi, the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), addressed significant concerns regarding access to data from the State Capture Commission.
The session was prompted by media allegations that Minister Simelane has been obstructing access to critical data that could aid law enforcement agencies in ongoing investigations related to state capture. In her opening remarks, Simelane staunchly refuted these claims, labeling them as “malicious, unwarranted, baseless, and unfair.”
“I have met with the National Director of Public Prosecution after being entrusted with the responsibility as the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development to take the NPA into my confidence that I am going to give the authority and other law enforcement agencies my support on any matter”, remarked Simelane.
Advocate Batohi echoed the Minister’s sentiments, emphasizing that these accusations of obstruction were “unfounded” and reiterated the Minister’s genuine support for the NPA’s mission. “It is incredibly unfortunate that the Minister has been unfairly drawn into these media narratives,” Batohi stated. “We can confirm that she has consistently provided all needed support.”
During the presentation, officials detailed the mechanisms that have been established to manage and oversee the transfer of data from the State Capture Commission to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. The Department reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, stating that no data has been lost or obstructed in this process.
“We reiterate that any claims of lost data are false. Our commitment is to ensure full access for law enforcement agencies to the information contained within the State Capture Commission’s assets,” the Department emphasized in a statement to the committee.
The Minister and her team emphasized the necessity of ensuring robust cooperation between the Justice Department and law enforcement bodies as they work towards uncovering the depths of state capture.
As the meeting concluded, officials underscored their dedication to accountability and cooperation, vowing to combat misinformation and to remain steadfast in providing access to vital data for the sake of justice and transparency in South Africa.
The ongoing discourse around state capture data access remains pivotal as South Africa continues to navigate its accountability mechanisms post-Commission findings, directing an eye towards ensuring that truth prevails in the nation’s quest for justice.
Leave a comment