National Director of Public Prosecutions Mxolisi Nxasana was still at work on Thursday, while the presidency has still not explained why an inquiry into his fitness to hold office was abruptly halted earlier this week.

"The NDPP is at work as usual," said National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Velekhaya Mgobozi in an SMS reply to a question.

He would not say whether Nxasana had tendered his resignation.

Questions sent to the presidency were met with a terse referral to Monday's statement. This, as speculation continued that a "golden handshake" for Nxasana was being brokered.

This earlier statement read: "The president is currently engaging with Mr Nxasana with a view to taking decisions which are in the best interests of the National Prosecuting Authority, Mr Nxasana and the country at large."

"The Presidency will communicate the outcome of such deliberations once they have been finalised, mindful of the need for certainty and confidence in the NPA."

The inquiry was to have considered "certain facts", including that in the lead-up to his appointment by President Jacob Zuma, Nxasana allegedly failed to reveal aspects of his past which came to light during a security check after his appointment.

This included assault charges and a murder charge, of which Nxasana was acquitted on the grounds of self defence. He was also reportedly involved in a traffic matter and was the subject of a complaint to the Law Society of KwaZulu-Natal.

Nxasana was also expected to explain to the commission why he had made media statements that allegedly undermined the office of the NDPP or brought the NPA into disrepute.

News24.com