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EFF condemns NPA’s appointment of State Capture Commission evidence leaders as consultants

In a move that has been met with strong criticism from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has appointed Advocate Matthew Chaskalson and Advocate Paul Pretorius as consultants in order to fast-track its prosecution of those implicated in allegations of corruption during the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.
In a statement on Wednesday,EFF National Spokesperson, Leigh-Ann Mathys, described the appointments as a gross collusion, opportunism, and an undermining of the wheels of natural justice.

Both Chaskalson and Pretorius were evidence leaders in the State Capture Commission and are now advising the NPA on how to proceed with prosecution based on the evidence they previously led.

The appointments have raised concerns about conflicts of interest and the fairness of the prosecution process.

The EFF has criticized NPA head Shamila Batohi for what they see as a desperate attempt to salvage her reputation by hiring individuals who were involved in the State Capture Commission.

The lack of transparency surrounding the appointments, including the refusal to disclose the consultants’ remuneration, has added to the controversy.

The EFF has emphasized the need for targeted, scientific, and specific prosecutions that are based on relevant evidence, rather than conducting unfettered raids for possibly irrelevant information.

The party has called for transparency in the recruitment process and budget allocation to ensure that the appointments do not become a “money-making scheme for white lawyers” as seen in the Zondo Commission.

While the EFF does not believe that those implicated in the State Capture Commission Report are innocent, they stress the importance of upholding the sanctity and fairness of the judicial process.

The party argues that the appointment of evidence leaders as prosecutors raises questions about the credibility and neutrality of the justice system and could potentially allow the corrupt to escape justice.

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