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The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services today commended the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Shaun Abrahams, for re-evaluating his decision to fill all critical posts in the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Committee Chairperson, Dr Mathole Motshekga, said it is of the utmost importance for the justice system in the country that critical posts are filled as soon as possible. “The NPA cannot afford to freeze or not fill any critical post. This could lead to the delay of court cases, which is a detriment to the South African public. After all, accused persons are entitled to speedy trials. Justice must be seen to be done,” Dr Motshekga said.

The Committee heard that due to budget constraints and the high cost of compensation of employees (about 84% of its budget) the NPA had decided to stop filling posts, even critical ones. Adv Abrahams elaborated on this point, saying this decision was re-evaluated and an instruction given to provincial directors of public prosecutions to motivate why certain critical post should be filled.

The NPA further indicated that it stopped procuring goods and services in January 2017 and moved these funds to remunerate staff.

Regarding eradicating illicit flows of money, the Committee heard that the freezing of funds only relates to suspicious amounts and not the freezing of a full account. An informal working group has been set up in this regard, but Adv Abrahams indicated that the NPA needs additional capacity to deal with this issue effectively.

Members of Parliament also raised concerns over the overspending on the Witness Protection Programme. In response, the NPA said the steep increase in lease costs for safe houses compared to the small increase in budget for this programme has led to the overspending.

The Committee further noted the request for additional funding for the enrolment of the Aspirant Prosecutor Programme, 100 people at a cost of R38m a year.

Dr Motshekga recommended that the law curriculum for LLB be amended to include the passing of at least one indigenous language. He also suggested community service to ensure graduates are employable.

He said the Committee will closely monitor all NPA programmes, but he was generally impressed with the clear plans presented today.

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services, Dr Mathole Motshekga