'NPA not the same as the Scorpions'

Luzuko Pongoma

Luzuko Pongoma

The National Prosecution Authority has remained mum after its investigative wing, the Scorpions, closed shop.

All they could say was that the NPA should not be confused with the Scorpions.

Spokesperson Tlali Tlali said media reports that the NPA was winding up its operations were not true.

"The changes will affect the Directorate of Special Operations or the Scorpions, a unit that falls under the NPA," he said.

Tlali said the prosecutors all over the country and the NPA as an institution would remain.

"Only the investigative side of the NPA will be affected by the NPA Amendment Act."

He said phasing out the NPA would require a constitutional amendment.

Tlali refused to be drawn on reports that yesterday was the last day for the Scorpions.

"The information was released to the media by the South African Police Service and they would provide better content."

Tlali said the NPA would comment on the matter during the week.

This follows a Sunday World report quoting Selby Bokaba of the SAPS that the Scorpions and the NPA would cease to exist by yesterday.

Bokaba was not available for comment .