Nxasana was informed claims Presidency

(Image: GCIS)

"The Presidency has noted a report in the Sunday Times of 6 July 2014, quoting the NDPP, Mxolisi Nxasana, as saying he heard from the media for the first time about the inquiry on his fitness to hold office. This is not true," the Presidency said on Sunday evening.

"A letter from President Jacob Zuma to Nxasana was sent on Friday evening, 4 July 2014, and he confirmed receipt thereof," said Presidential spokesperson Mac Maharaj.? On Saturday, the Presidency issued a statement stating that President Zuma has instituted an inquiry into Nxasana. The Presidency further clarified that Nxasana was informed telephonically that the Presidency would issue a statement about President Zuma's decision. "It is regrettable that the Sunday Times published this allegation as fact without checking with the Presidency to hear the other side," said the Presidency.

Nxasana, who was appointed in October 2013 by the President, has come under the spotlight after it emerged that he did not have the required security clearance for the post. He was acquitted on murder charges when he was 18 years old. In June, reports claimed that former Justice Minister Jeff Radebe instructed Nxasana, who is from the KwaZulu-Natal division of the High Court, to resign just a few days before President Zuma announced his new Cabinet because of this.

Justice and Correctional Services Minister Michael Masutha told a media briefing last month that he had referred the matter to the Office of the President. At the time, Minister Masutha said, he had met with the leadership of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and called on them to await the decision of the President with regard to the matter.

Details regarding the establishment of the inquiry will be communicated to the public as soon as it becomes available, said Maharaj.