AfriForum points out errors in the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Bill by submitting written comments
The civil rights organisation AfriForum submitted written comments on the Bill on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). In these comments, the gaps and loopholes in the current form of the bill are clearly pointed out. Some of the problems with the bill include that it does not provide solutions to the current problems with the NPA, that it fails to prescribe parliamentary review, that it leaves room for political interference in the Prosecuting Authority and that it will lead to dwindling trust in the South African criminal justice system.
According to AfriForum, the inability of the current NPA Bill to deal with deep-rooted flaws within the criminal justice system will remain significant impediments to the realisation of true justice in South Africa.
“There are currently 14 different bills being pushed by the ANC which are almost all riddled with ideological motives, and this is no exception,” says Louis Boshoff, Campaign Officer at AfriForum. “There is indeed room for change to the current form of the NPA, but then it must not be abused by politicians to suit their own agendas.”
AfriForum’s commentary approaches the matter pro-actively and suggests various solutions, such as including clauses that require parliamentary review, that prevent political interference and that will improve the operational efficiency of the NPA.
Among other things, the organisation proposes that the NPA should have operational autonomy with a separate budget that will protect the NPA from political influence and financial manipulation.
In addition to this, the civil rights organisation’s Private Prosecution Unit is also being expanded to ensure that prosecution can take place even if the NPA is weakened further.
AfriForum will continue to advocate for a society that prioritises individual rights and values transparency, accountability and impartiality within government institutions.
