Deputy Speaker, I would like to start off by welcoming the statement made by the hon Abram regarding the statement made by the father of the late Anni Dewani. I think the conviction last week in the matter of Xolile Mngeni demonstrates that our criminal justice system, including the police and the National Prosecuting Authority, NPA, have dedicated and competent men and women who are working tirelessly to ensure that all in South Africa are and feel safe.
Contrary to the suggestions made by some that the NPA is an organisation that is rudderless and in crisis, it has again demonstrated in the past two weeks that it is making a major contribution to fighting crime in such major and complicated, high-profile matters as the Dewani case, and the rhino poaching case, in which Chumlong Lemtongthai was sentenced to 40 years' imprisonment. During the past year, the NPA has achieved and maintained conviction rates of 84,6% in high courts, 73,3% in regional courts, and 90,8% in magistrates' courts. This is not the performance of an organisation that is in crisis.
We would also like to reiterate our condolences to the family of Anni Dewani, and hope that these convictions will lay some basis for the family to start finding closure. [Applause.]
Secondly, I would like to respond to the rather confusing and contradictory statements from Cope. We had the hon Kganare giving a very emotional and confused statement about how there was supposed political interference in the NPA. Five minutes later, his colleague, hon Kilian, went on to say how the very same NPA was busy prosecuting leaders of the majority party. So, I don't know which one it is. Which one is it now? Is the NPA subject to political interference or is it not? [Interjections.]
I think we need to realise that we in this country have put in place a Constitution. In terms of that Constitution we have created institutions, one of which is the National Prosecuting Authority. These institutions are working. They are demonstrating day by day that they are working in terms of the Constitution and the laws of our country ... [Interjections.] ... and they deserve our respect. [Time expired.] [Applause.]