S Africa suspends top prosecutor

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/africa/7011196.stm

Version 0 of 1.

South Africa's chief prosecutor has been suspended over what the government is calling an irreversible breakdown of relations with the justice minister.

Vusi Pikoli's suspension follows reported friction with Minister Brigitte Mabandla over the prosecution of former Vice-President Jacob Zuma.

Mr Zuma is a leading contender to be the ANC's candidate for the presidency.

Opposition parties questioned the justification for President Thabo Mbeki's order to suspend Mr Pikoli.

An inquiry has been ordered and Mr Pikoli's deputy, Mokotedi Mpshe, has been appointed as acting head of the National Prosecuting Agency (NPA).

'Turf war'

The move to suspend Mr Pikoli follows what observers describe as a bitter "turf war" between the police and the NPA's FBI-style investigators, the Scorpions.

Leading members of the ANC have accused Mr Pikoli and the Scorpions of being over-zealous in their attempts to bring corruption charges against Mr Zuma.

Minister Mabandla has said publicly that the police "are the superior crime-fighting force".

The opposition Democratic Alliance is asking for the justice portfolio committee - at present on a three-week recess - to be recalled as soon as possible "for a full briefing" on Mr Mbeki's decision.

The African Christian Democratic Party said it was shocked at Pikoli's suspension.

"We could understand it if the suspension related to incompetence or incapacity," said spokesperson Libby Norton.

"However, merely to allege a breakdown of relationship is very drastic and draws into question the degree to which the NDP can act impartially and without fear or favour," the opposition spokesperson added.