So two separate processes linked to the National Prosecuting Authority probe of police commissioner Jackie Selebi have since come to the same conclusion - that the NPA has a case against the police boss.

So two separate processes linked to the National Prosecuting Authority probe of police commissioner Jackie Selebi have since come to the same conclusion - that the NPA has a case against the police boss.

The first process, initiated by NPA boss Vusi Pikoli who had obtained search and arrest warrants against Selebi which were never executed, was delayed pending a review by an independent panel. Pikoli was suspended by President Thabo Mbeki for not consulting him and Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla before obtaining the writs.

The second process, which is the recommendation of the review panel itself, has now culminated in the decision by acting NPA head Mokotedi Mpshe charging Selebi with corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

Not surprisingly, the NPA's decision to prosecute Selebi has invoked calls for the reinstatement of Pikoli on the grounds that this development vindicated the suspended NPA head. This has naturally raised questions about the relevance of the Ginwala commission into his suspension.

Though Mbeki has dismissed any connection between the commission and the NPA decision on Selebi, the credence lent to Pikoli's earlier actions by the review panel establishes the link.

More importantly, the panel's recommendations call into question allusions to Pikoli's competency, which prompted the appointment of the Ginwala commission.