The DA has written (view here) to KwaZulu-Natal Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Elaine Zungu, calling on her to outline steps to future-proof the organisation’s ability to ensure justice.
The move follows the acquittal of former provincial Economic Development MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu on R28.5million in corruption charges in the Durban High Court earlier this week, along with 16 co-accused.
According to presiding Judge, Mahendra Chetty, there was no evidence to support the dozens of allegations against Mabuyakhulu and the others.
Of particular concern to the DA are the scathing statements made by Judge Chetty as part of his 100-page ruling. This includes the remark that “The state is obliged to join the dots. It is not for this court to do so or to speculate.”
It is disappointing to note that the inability of the KZN prosecution authorities has once again led to a failure in accountability and consequences. This, either through ineptitude or as a result of capture.
This is further evidenced by Judge Chetty’s comment that the state had not lived up to the promise set out in its opening address and in the indictment, resulting in evidence.
Our province is on its knees as a result of corruption, particularly when it comes to those connected to government.
Judgements of this nature lead to an erosion of confidence in the prosecutorial efficacy of this important office, particularly within KZN’s current climate of maladministration and corruption.
The DA in KZN has engaged with national DA Justice and Constitutional Development Spokesperson, Glynnis Breytenbach to request that she take up our concerns at the highest level within public prosecutions structures.
It is clear that institutions of accountability and consequence, under an ANC-run government, are failing KZN’s people and will never address ongoing challenges. The 2024 elections will afford voters an opportunity to change this trajectory.