President Jacob Zuma says court action to try and force him to suspend National Director of Public Prosecutions Shaun Abrahams undermines the process required to make a rational decision.
In his affidavit responding to Helen Suzman Foundation and Freedom Under Law court application to suspend Abrahams, Zuma says the two organisations are trying to run the country through the courts.
Zuma says he has not made a decision to suspend the NDPP and prosecutors who were involved, for making the decision to prosecute Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and subsequently withdrawing charges a few weeks later.
The President has already asked the prosecutors to explain why they should not be suspended.
He says this application is premature because he hasn't had time to apply his mind because representations have not been made by Abrahams and other prosecutors. He is saying, I have started this process, and asked them to give me a reason why they shouldn't be suspended.
— Mandy Wiener EWN reporter
Secondly, he says it is not for these civil rights organisations to go to court and force him to make a decision that essentially sits with the executive. He says it's a violation of separation of powers.
— Mandy Wiener EWN reporter
Listen to the audio below to hear more about what's on Zuma's affidavit...
#ShaunAbrahams Zuma says he has not yet made a decision on whether to suspend Shaun Abrahams. pic.twitter.com/u5HaS8XfXa
— Mandy Wiener (@MandyWiener) November 17, 2016
#ShaunAbrahams Zuma says court application is premature and an abuse of the court process. pic.twitter.com/yw5279lNE1
— Mandy Wiener (@MandyWiener) November 17, 2016
#ShaunAbrahams Zuma says FUL/HSF are trying to run the country through the courts and usurp his power on the NDPP. pic.twitter.com/jEeFsfKjUx
— Mandy Wiener (@MandyWiener) November 17, 2016
#ShaunAbrahams Zuma on the impact of the Pravin Gordhan prosecution on the economy. Says decisions aren't taken on impact on markets. pic.twitter.com/q8DaK6jZS8
— Mandy Wiener (@MandyWiener) November 17, 2016
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