‘No One Ever Asked Me’: Nomgcobo Jiba Denies Interference in Missing Cradock Four Docket

Jiba appeared before the commission of inquiry into alleged political interference with the TRC cases, chaired by Justice Sisi Khampepe , to clarify her position amid an ongoing inquiry into the missing docket related to the Cradock Four case.

The Missing Docket

Jiba testified that even after she departed from the NPA, she was never asked about the disappearance of the Cradock Four docket.

“No, there was no one, and I was in the NPA. We were attending meetings together, for example, with Dr Torry Pretorius, who was the acting head at the time. So, no one ever came to me and said there was a docket that was missing.”

She said it wasn’t until much later that she became aware of the missing docket, only realising it when she received a notice from the TRC Cases Commission.

“Even during the inquiry that was instituted on my fitness to hold office after I was placed on special leave by the president, I still had not been approached by anyone over the missing docket until I left the NPA in 2019… I only realised that when I received the notice from this commission that there is a docket that went missing from my office during my tenure.”

Political Interference Allegations

On the allegations of political interference and pressure not to prosecute TRC matters, Jiba said:

“During my time as the acting NDPP, I would have EXCO meetings with the national directors of the various business units. At no stage did Dr Silas Ramaite give me any report that they were having challenges of political interference.”

The Affidavit

Jiba also noted that an affidavit by Adv Raymond Macadam in 2021 was never brought to her attention, and expressed confusion over an alleged conflict of interest that led to her removal from a brief concerning the missing docket.

The Background

Jiba’s tenure as Acting NDPP began following the Supreme Court of Appeal’s ruling on 1 December 2011, which overturned Advocate Menzi Simelane’s appointment. She remained in the acting role until 4 August 2013.

She previously served as Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DDPP) since 2001, becoming Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions (DNDPP) in 2010.

The Bottom Line

Jiba says no one ever asked her about the missing docket. She only found out when the commission notified her.

She denies political interference. She says no reports were ever brought to her.

The inquiry continues. The Cradock Four families are still waiting. And Jiba’s testimony will be weighed like all the rest.