Ministers representing the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster of Government withdrew court action today that sought an extension to submit comments on security concerns on the provisional report by the Public Protector.
As a result of this withdrawal, government undertook to pay legal costs in this matter, in accordance with the rules of the court.
Government’s response on security issues associated with the Public Protector’s report will be submitted to the office of the Public Protector by close of business today, Friday, November 15, 2013.
Government emphasises that it is standard practice for any litigant to review its stance when the objective of the litigation has been achieved – in this case, the opportunity to submit comments by today, November 15, 2013.
Beyond realising this extension, any protracted court action would have amounted to an academic exercise.
After submission of its response, government will be guided by how the Public Protector deals with the matter moving forward.
Enquiries:
Mthunzi Mhaga
Cell: 083 641 1841
