Issued by: Office of the Deputy President TM Mbeki
In response to media queries regarding remarks made by Justice Van der Walt against the National Director of Prosecution Bulelani Ngcuka, during an application for bail by the Eikenhoff Three, the Office of Deputy President Thabo Mbeki wishes to put the following on record.
The Office recognises and respects the right of the court to make decisions on matters placed before it. We therefore do not challenge the court's authority in refusing bail to applicants, including the Eikenhoff Three.
However, it is our view that courts should not be used a platforms to make politically motivated comments by members of the bench.
It is unfortunate that such remarks should come at a time when there is a movement towards accepting the legitimacy of the country's judicial system by the majority of South Africans.
The Judicial Services Commission, established in terms of the constitution, is the appropriate structure to address this and other relevant matters.
For more info contact Adv. Mojanku Gumbi.
Issued by the Office of the Deputy President TM Mbeki Communications Division P/Bag X955 Pretoria 0001