Media Advisory
Justice Department and National Prosecuting Authority address access to State Capture Commission Data before the Portfolio Committee
10 September 2024
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Thembi Simelane, has today, 10 September 2024, appeared before the portfolio committee on Justice and Constitutional Development to make presentations about the issue of access to state capture commission data. Minister Simelane was accompanied by the Director General of Justice and Constitutional Development Department, Advocate Doc Mashabane and the National Director of Public Prosecution (NDPP), Adv Shamila Batohi.
The Department and the National Prosecuting Authority made the detailed presentations explaining the residual mechanism established to oversee the transfer and management of the state capture commission data. As the legal custodian of the Commission’s assets including its data, the Department reiterated its commitment to transparency and continued cooperation with all law enforcement agencies. The Department reiterates that no data has been lost or obstructed.
Minister Simelane refutes allegations that she is blocking the NPA access to the data and views them as malicious, unwarranted, baseless and unfair to her. “I have met with the National Director of Public Prosecution after being entrusted with the responsibility as the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development to take the NPA into my confidence that I am going to give the authority and other law enforcement agencies my support on any matter”, remarked Minister Simelane.
The deliberations of the meeting encompassed concerns regarding the widely reported media allegations that the Minister is blocking access to the Zondo Commission database. These allegations were not only unfair, but also unfounded and baseless.
“It is unfortunate that the Minister has been drawn into this by the media reporting that she blocked access to the state capture data, we can confirm that the Minister has been truly supportive.” Said Advocate Shamila Batohi.
The Department re-emphasized its unwavering commitment to always account to the committee whenever any need arises, and most importantly, in ensuring that it enables the law enforcement agencies access to the information contained in the assets of the state capture commission which have since been devolved to the Department.
The Ministry restated the point that any information that seeks to say that data has been lost is false and commits itself to provide the law enforcement agencies with support and access to the state capture commission data invariably.
Enquiries:
Mr. Tsekiso Machike
Spokesperson: Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development
078 237 3900
Issued by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development
