Justice dept granted leave to appeal

The Justice Department has been granted leave to appeal decisions taken against Mabandla

The Pretoria High Court has granted the Justice Department leave to appeal its decision against Minister Brigitte Mabandla on applications for presidential pardons.

"On Tuesday the court granted the department leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal in the Mqabukeni Chonco and 383 others' matter. We are busy preparing to appeal," said justice ministry spokesperson Zolile Nqayi.

In February the court ruled that Mabandla had failed to exercise her constitutional duties diligently over the applications of 384 prisoners for presidential pardons.

The prisoners, who are being assisted by the Inkatha Freedom Front Party, have waited almost five years after handing in their applications without any indication as to when their applications would be dealt with.

Nqayi said high court judge Willie Seriti had ruled that he was of the view that the matter was of "paramount importance" and that a pronouncement of the Supreme Court of Appeal was necessary.

The department further urged those qualifying for the special presidential pardons announced by President Thabo Mbeki to apply before April 15. - Sapa