FUL submits objection to Menzi Simelane’s name on NDPP shortlist
Freedom Under Law has submitted an objection to Advocate Menzi Simelane’s selection as one of six candidates to replace the retiring NPA head, Shamila Batohi.
The six will face interviews over two days this week by a selection panel appointed by the president to find a new National Director of Public Prosecutions.
Simelane, who is currently in private practice, has been shortlisted as a candidate for the position of the NDPP.
Other candidates include Advocates Nicolette Bell, Hermione Cronje, Andrea Johnson, Adrian Mopp and Xolisile Khanyile.
Simelane's candidacy has generated significant controversy due to his past legal challenges and a pending application to have him struck from the advocates' roll.
Simelane was appointed National Director of Public Prosecutions in December 2009 by then-President Jacob Zuma.
The DA challenged this appointment, which was ultimately declared invalid by the Constitutional Court in October 2012.
The court found that he was not a "fit and proper person" for the role, citing concerns about his integrity and a history of abusing his powers.
On Tuesday, Freedom Under Law said that if Simelane is appointed, it will challenge the decision in court.
"FUL submits that Simelane is not a fit or proper person to be appointed as NDPP, and that any attempt to appoint him would be unjustifiable, irrational, and vulnerable to legal challenge."
