Justice Dept denies blocking NPA access to state capture evidence
The Department of Justice has refuted claims that the NPA’s Investigative Directorate has been unable to access critical information from the State Capture Commission report.
The denial follows a News24 report alleging that the National Prosecuting Authority had been blocked from accessing crucial state capture data for over two years.
The report suggested that the NPA and the Investigating Directorate had lost complete access to a significant digital evidence database compiled by the Zondo Commission investigators.
However, the department's spokesperson, Tsekiso Machike, insists the relationship between the ministry and the ID remains cordial and professional.
“The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is the legal custodian of all the assets of the commission, including the data centre, following the expiry of the term of the SCC,” he said.
“The department holds these assets on behalf of the South African State, government and people. This mandate arises from the custodianship of the Commissions Act of 1947, residing with the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.
“To ensure effective utilisation of the data, the commission trained over 20 NPA investigators, providing them with direct access to the commission’s digital forensic platforms. The Commission’s secretariat has consistently supplied the requested data and documents,” added Machike.
He said that the secretariat has positively responded to data requests from various law enforcement agencies, including the ID and the Hawks.
“The department remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the effective use of its data to support justice and governance in South Africa,” he said.
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