Another witness takes the stand in Pikoli probe

Yesterday the commission heard that Pikoli refused to carry out Justice Minister's instructions

Justice Department Director-General, Advocate Menzi Simelane, has taken the witness stand at the Ginwala Commission of Inquiry, whichis looking into whether suspended National Prosecutions head, Vusi Pikoli is fit to hold public office.

Yesterday, the commission heard that Pikoli refused to carry out Justice Minister, Bridgette Mabandla's instruction, to stop executing warrants for the arrest of suspended Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi. President Thabo Mbeki then suspended Pikoli.

Pikoli's lawyer, Wim Trengove has accused the state of grossly violating his client's constitutional obligations to do his job with executive interference. But the state's argued that Pikoli's handling of the criminal probe against Selebi posed a national security risk.