One Pikoli, two Pikoli, three Pikoli...FORE!

Most of my regular readers will know that I have stood squarely behind former National Prosecuting Authority boss Vusi Pikoli in his bid to regain his position at the head of the NPA. I have done so because Pikoli is a man of unquestionable integrity who showed that he had the courage to withstand the icy blasts of a political storm without taking a step backwards.

Unfortunately as a result of his determination, not to bend, he was axed from his position with no little unkind words said about him and why he had been removed. Needless to say they are, in the main, wholly without merit and unworthy of repetition here.

The fact is that his job has now been taken over by an acting head with President Jacob Zuma indicating his intention to appoint a successor.

In response thereto Pikoli launched an application to the high court seeking to urgently interdict the president from replacing him with a permanent head of the NPA until the matter of his sacking has been finally determined.

While I have the utmost sympathy for Pikoli’s position the time has come for him to understand Zuma’s position as well as that of the country.

Crime is unfortunately an even bigger problem now than when he was ousted. We have protests being hijacked by criminal elements who use them to invade properties as well as loot and pillage stores. All of this with less than a year to run before the planet arrives for World Cup 2010. As such we cannot be left stranded without both our top cop and head of the NPA.

The president is compelled to act and he must do so as a matter of urgency.

This will not preclude Pikoli from claiming damages suffered as a result of him being unfairly dismissed and in my humble opinion the balance of convenience must favour the country, not an individual no matter how meritorious.

I would, however, draw to the government’s attention that many rogues and undesirables have been looked after despite their less than credible performances for this country. In accordance therewith a satisfactory package should be given to this man who genuinely put his country before his own interests.

It’s the right thing to do.