Suspended prosecuting boss Vusi Pikoli has rubbished any suggestion that he was improperly influenced by President Thabo Mbeki's "meddling" in ANC president Jacob Zuma's corruption prosecution.
Judge Nicholson found on Friday that there had been a "distressing pattern" in the National Prosecuting Authority's behaviour and handling of the case against Zuma "indicative of political interference, pressure or influence".
Pikoli's attorney, Aslam Moosajee, said the behaviour complained of related to allegations against acting national director of public prosecutions Mokotedi Mpshe, and Ngcuka, in the latter's interaction with then-justice minister Penuell Maduna before the prosecution of Zuma's former financial adviser, Schabir Shaik.
"There are no facts set out in the judgment which supports any suggestion that Mr Pikoli allowed political interference.
"Mr Pikoli viewed his obligations of independence very seriously and went as far as refusing to comply with an instruction from justice minister Brigitte Mabandla not to proceed with the arrest of national commissioner of police Jackie Selebi.
"We know from the Selebi matter that Mr Pikoli said there was interference, but he resisted those attempts and he was suspended.
"The international community has also recognised Mr Pikoli's dedication to the principles of prosecutorial independence," he said.
Source: News 24.com
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