The EFF is calling for the removal of senior counsel Mathew Chaskalson and Paul Pretorius, appointed as consultants for the NPA to handle state capture cases. While not unlawful, the EFF argues a conflict of interest as they were evidence leaders for the Zondo commission. The EFF insists on security clearance before their appointment.
NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga defends the appointments, stating they are best suited for the prosecution. He says the lawyers won’t need security clearance as they won’t access sensitive data. The EFF stresses the importance of security clearance to avoid misuse of data.
Mhaga emphasizes the need for private counsel like Chaskalson and Pretorius in complex cases. These lawyers enhance the NPA’s prosecutorial capacity without needing top-level security clearance. The debate continues between the EFF and the NPA over the appointment and security concerns.