By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Xola Nqola expressed his concern about conflicting reports on the access to the Zondo Commission investigation database. Nqola said these reports are extremely concerning as it deals with state capture and millions and millions of rands stolen from the South African people.
He further said every South African wants to see justice in these matters and the money returned to the state coffers in order to alleviate the strain on the economy and the people. Nqola added that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) are locked in a stand-off with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD), after full access to vital state capture evidence was allegedly blocked.
“The reports go on to say that the NPA and the Investigating Directorate have lost access to a large digital evidence database gathered by Zondo Commission investigators because of a lack of maintenance. The NPA has since refuted the allegations.
“It said that access to the digital lab is a technical one and it continues to engage the department on the matter. The department has called the media reports misleading and factually inaccurate,” he said.
Nqola said that such reports can lead to the public losing faith in the justice system and the country’s efforts to fight corruption. He said it is clear that the reports and the comments from the authorities are contradictory.
“It is for this reason that the committee will call the department and all the role players to enlighten the Members of Parliament (MPs) and the public on this very serious matter. The country’s reputation to deal with crime and corruption is at stake when allegations of this nature are circulated,” said Nqola.
The Guardian 