×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Axed Pikoli launches legal bid for his job

Dismissed national director of public prosecutions Vusi Pikoli has lodged an application in the Pretoria high court to get his job back.

Dismissed national director of public prosecutions Vusi Pikoli has lodged an application in the Pretoria high court to get his job back.

Pikoli's legal team said they were petitioning the court to set aside the dismissal on the grounds that it was not rational and violated the Constitutional principle of prosecutorial independence and the principles of legality.

"The papers have been signed and there is somebody driving to Pretoria," said Aslam Moosajee.

The move comes after the National Council of Provinces endorsed the decision by President Kgalema Motlanthe to fire Pikoli.

Motlanthe fired Pikoli following remarks in a report by the Ginwala commission that the NPA head had been insensitive to national security issues.

A Parliamentary committee subsequently endorsed Motlanthe's decision. Yesterday the NCOP voted in favour of the committee's decision.

Pikoli maintains that he was suspended by former president Thabo Mbeki in September 2007 to stop the prosecution of police Commissioner Jackie Selebi for corruption.

But in a charged debate in the NCOP, ANC members said Motlanthe had no choice but to fire Pikoli for being insensitive to national security. - Sapa

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.