Gerrie Nel, AfriForum to go after corrupt politicians and officials

AfriForum says Nel decided to accept the position at AfriForum, because he is concerned over the perception that the NPA's is guilty of selective prosecutions and that everyone was seemingly not equal before the law.

According to AfriForum, South African legislation makes private prosecution possible in cases where the NPA decide to not prosecute someone suspected of an offence.

"I believe in the supreme authority of the law. AfriForum's newly founded private prosecuting unit gives me the opportunity within the civilian society to help ensure that everyone, irrespective of position, is equal before the law. AfriForum and I are now in a position to prosecute ourselves corrupt persons who are not prosecuted by the NPA," says Nel.

AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel says Nel's appointment will help in their fight against corruption.

Kriel says he hope Nel's appointment will send a clear message to corrupt politicians and officials that they can no longer be indemnified from prosecution due to their political contacts.

"Corrupt persons must realise that no-one is above the law, not even the country's president," says Kriel.

Nel will now start the process to involve other experts in the unit.

According to Nel, he will also start with an investigation to determine which public officials, against whom there is a strong case, are not being prosecuted.

Maryke Vermaak reports from Pretoria...