Opposition parties expressed reservations on Wednesday about the appointment of Menzi Simelane as National Director of Public Prosecutions.

Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson on justice Dene Smuts was "shocked" at the appointment, as was Independent Democrats (ID) leader Patricia de Lille.

"It is difficult to imagine a more inappropriate choice," Smuts said.

De Lille was shocked that President Jacob Zuma could appoint someone "accused by Frene Ginwala's panel of deceiving Brigitte Mabandla, his former boss and Justice Minister, and of interfering with the National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA's) independence".

She was referring to the Ginwala commission of inquiry into the fitness to hold office of Simelane's predecessor, Vusi Pikoli.

Simelane's testimony at that inquiry was slated as "irregular".

Although Ginwala could not find that Pikoli was not fit to hold office, he was fired for not having enough regard for national security.

The Public Service Commission was asked to investigate Simelane's conduct after Ginwala expressed concerns about his interpretation of how far he could interfere in the function of the NPA and his withholding of information from the inquiry.

Justice Minister Jeff Radebe decided not to proceed with the investigation after consulting with the commission.

De Lille said his appointment showed a disregard for the independence of the NPA.

The African Christian Democratic Party was "extremely disappointed" with the decision, saying Simelane was "surrounded by controversy" during his tenure as DG of the Justice Department.

"In view of Ginwala's findings, and the need for an independent
NPA, the appointment of Advocate Simelane is startling to say the least," said ACDP president Kenneth Meshoe.

The Inkatha Freedom Party said Simelane's appointment "trigger[ed] questions and concerns".

"... his integrity was called into question by the Ginwala Commission, which led to an investigation into his conduct.

"The findings of this investigation must still be made public," said the party.

The IFP found it difficult to understand why Zuma would appoint
Simelane when "his conduct is still under the spotlight".

The ANC welcomed the appointment. The ruling party said he brought the "necessary experience, legal background and administrative skills" to do the job.

"The appointment will bring stability to one of the key arms of the criminal justice system," the ANC said.

It wished Simelane well in his new post and thanked outgoing acting director of public prosecutions Mokotedi Mpshe for his work at the helm of the NPA.