'Pikoli's suspension not linked to Selebi's case'

Chikane is testifying at the Ginwala Commission

Director-General in the Presidency Frank Chikane has rejected reports that National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head Vusi Pikoli was suspended last September because he had obtained a warrant of arrest for suspended National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi.

Chikane was testifying at the Ginwala public hearings in Johannesburg today. In his testimony, Chikane said one of the reasons for Pikoli’s suspension was related to the manner in which he carried out the investigation into Selebi.

Chikane said Pikoli was determined to raid the police’s headquarters and had required search warrants to authorise this. However, President Thabo Mbeki felt that this was inappropriate and made it clear that whatever documents the Scorpions required, he would help obtain them -- which he eventually did.

Chikane said Pikoli’s intentions portrayed a lack of understanding of the complex nature of the State, and a lack of sensitivity in seeking to demonstrate the independence of his unit.