S. African president to appeal court ruling ordering removal of NPA head

CAPE TOWN, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- President Jacob Zuma will appeal a court ruling ordering the removal of Shaun Abrahams, head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Presidency said on Friday.

Earlier on Friday, the North Gauteng High Court ruled that Abrahams quit his job due to his unfitness to hold office.

The NPA is an important institution in South Africa's constitutional democracy, and the appointment of its leader is not made lightly, presidential spokesperson Bongani Ngqulunga said.

Together with judges, who likewise are appointed by the president, the NPA head plays a vital role in the criminal justice system, Ngqulunga said.

"Minded by the principle of the separation of powers, constitutional legality and the rule of law, the judgement will be appealed," said Ngqulunga.

For the past decade, the NPA has been viewed as politically captured and accused of shielding Zuma from corruption charges.

In October this year, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) decided to reinstate corruption charges against Zuma.

The SCA said a 2009 decision to withdraw corruption charges against Zuma was "irrational."

Also on Friday, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) said it will allow the parties involved to reflect on the judgment and its implications as well as decide whether to appeal or not.

Whatever decision taken shall be in the interest of the administration of justice, the NPA and the country as whole, the party said. Enditem