Johnathan Paoli
In a letter of reply to the Public Prosecutor (PP) Busisiwe Mkhwebane, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the suspended Chapter 9 head had misinterpreted and misconstrued both her rights in relation to the process as well as the Presidential Minute and letter of suspension and is not entitled to return to her office on Tuesday.
Acknowledging the finalisation of the report, the President had to remind Mkhwebane that the process of inquiry had not been completed, as the National Assembly is still required to adopt a resolution as to the removal of the person under investigation.
Ramaphosa said the Presidential Minute recommended a suspension “pending the finalisation of the proceedings/inquiry initiated by the Committee of the National Assembly established in terms of section 194 of the Constitution,” and so Mkhwebane is not entitled to return to work.
The President accused Mkhwebane of an interpretation which attempted to uplift a suspension midway through the section 194 process and that while it would not only be inconsistent with the rules of interpretation, it would be insensible, unbusinesslike and undermine the purpose of the document.
Furthermore, the President said the disingenuity of the PP’s attempt at returning to office was illustrated by her decision to inform him of her intention to return, claiming that such rushed and impulsive action was unjustified on any basis.
Ramaphosa concluded with a stark declaration that he was aware of not answering all the allegations made in the PP’s letter but his silence should not be construed as an agreement of any type.
INSIDE POLITICS
