Pikoli speaks out on his suspension

Pikoli's case is underway with high profile witnesses taking the stand

Suspended National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head Vusi Pikoli has again spoken out against his suspension. Pikoli handed over his submission to the Ginwala Commission of Inquiry on Friday.

Pikoli told a Sunday newspaper that he believed his suspension was the result of political interference by President Mbeki.

He added that all events indicate the suspension was linked to attempts to stop an investigation by the Scorpions into alleged corrupt activities by national police commission Jackie Selebi.

The police chief appeared briefly in the Randburg magistrate's court on charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice, on February 1. The government has meanwhile, formally announced that the Scorpions will be dissolved in June.

Last week, President Thabo Mbeki assured Parliament that this decision was aimed at integrating the intelligence work of various units in the fight against organised crime.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has since requested an assurance from the Justice and Safety and Security ministers that the investigation into Selebi will not be affected when the Scorpions are disbanded.