NPA defends recruitment of army personnel

THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has defended the employment of soldiers at the authority, saying this was dues to staff shortages.

Source: NPA defends recruitment of army personnel – NewsDay Zimbabwe June 28, 2016

BY CHARLES LAITON

In a statement, NPA spokesperson, Allen Chifokoyo yesterday dismissed reports that militarisation of the authority compromised the justice delivery system.

“We would like to categorically state that these are nothing, but malicious misrepresentation of facts by forces bent on destabilising government operations at large and NPA in particular,” he said.

“It is very malicious for anyone to pick on the three military officers, as if their presence at NPA was outside the authority of the parent ministry and is the only security service arm at the NPA.

“The current posts, which are held by seconded members, will only be filled when Treasury has approved the NPA establishment and authorised the recruitment of staff to fill the vacant posts.”

Chifokoyo said in order to operationalise the NPA, there was need to have personnel assisting the Prosecutor-General in setting up the authority.

“It is against this background that the Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs ministry requested personnel from the Defence ministry to assist the Prosecutor-General in the establishment of the NPA. The Defence ministry seconded the three senior officers in 2014 for this purpose,” he said.

Chifokoyo said besides army officers, the NPA had police and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services officers among its staff.

He said contrary to reports, his office was well equipped and enjoyed cordial relations with the donor community.