Question NW1712 to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
09 December 2019 - NW1712
Chirwa, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Whether he has held any discussion with the National Prosecuting Authority on the desirability of prosecuting persons who fought for free quality education for all under the #FeesMustFall movement, in view of the fact that many of its activists are either in jail or still attending court cases?
Reply:
No, I have not discussed the matter with the National Director of Public Prosecutions nor indeed, with any member of the National Prosecution Authority. The prosecution of persons falls in the sole mandate of the National Prosecution Authority in terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, as well as the National Prosecuting Authority Act, 1998.
The National Prosecuting Authority without fear, favor or prejudice and it will be inappropriate for me to discuss any specific matters with the prosecution. My interface with the National Prosecuting Authority is in the context of ensuring that it functions efficiently.
The Honourable Member refers to “many activists in jail or attending court cases” I am only aware of one activist who was sentenced to imprisonment in a correctional facility and two activists attending court cases.