The NPA has withdrawn prosecutor advocate Ntaba's suspension, following an interim investigation into the case involving Mpumalanga businessman, Joe Sibanyoni and three others. Image: FILE
NPA
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South Africa
Joe ‘Ferrari’ Sibanyoni case: NPA withdraws suspension of advocate Ntaba
The National Prosecuting Authority has withdrawn the suspension of Advocate Mkhuseli Ntaba after an interim investigation found no indication that he would interfere with ongoing inquiries, allowing him to return to work.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has lifted the suspension of Advocate Mkhuseli Ntaba following the submission of an interim report into the events surrounding the handling of the State's case against Madoda Johannes Sibanyoni and others.
In a statement on Wednesday the NPA said that the interim report, compiled by it's Office for Ethics and Accountability (OEA), found that further investigations are still required before a final report can be completed.
However, after considering the findings, National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andy Mothibi, in consultation with Mpumalanga Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Sonja Ntuli, directed that Ntaba's suspension be withdrawn and that he be allowed to resume his duties.
The NPA said that the decision was based on a verified account provided by Ntaba regarding concerns about his safety, as well as the OEA's assessment that he had cooperated fully with investigators. The report also found no reasonable likelihood that Ntaba would interfere with the outstanding investigations.
Advocate Mothibi said he has requested that the OEA consider recommendations in its final report aimed at strengthening security measures for prosecutors and improving internal processes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The NPA also confirmed that it is continuing with legal processes related to the contempt of court ruling and warrant of arrest issued against Ntaba.
The authority said its legal team has received written reasons from Chief Magistrate Tuletu Tonjeni and has supplemented its grounds for appeal. It is now awaiting a hearing date from the Kwaggafontein Magistrate's Court.
The NPA said that it has demanded legal costs from attorneys representing accused number one and five after an urgent application seeking to halt the execution of the J50 warrants of arrest was withdrawn.
The prosecuting authority said it remains committed to handling the matter fairly while protecting both the interests of the public and those of Advocate Ntaba.
