Christopher Pryde, the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), has voiced his frustration over the delay in the scheduled tribunal hearing regarding his case. In a media statement last month, Jalesi Temo, the Acting Chief Justice and Chairman of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), announced that Mr. Pryde was informed of the intended hearing dates. Initially set from next Monday until August 30, the hearing has now been moved.
Yesterday, Mr. Pryde reported that he was informed the tribunal hearing originally planned for August 19 to 31, 2024, has been vacated. He expressed his disappointment, stating, “I am very disappointed that the tribunal of three judges that has been constituted to hear the allegation against me still has not provided me with the disclosures I need to properly understand the charge against me in relation to the superannuation.”
Mr. Pryde was suspended as DPP last April, which he believes was due to being seen conversing with the former Attorney-General at an official event. A year later, the JSC added a charge alleging that he was overpaid in superannuation, a claim he has denied.
“I am dismayed that I have still not received the required disclosures and the tribunal is yet to set a hearing date, and that my salary continues to be suspended five weeks after the Prime Minister stated it should still be paid,” he lamented. “This matter is soon to enter its 17th month with no resolution, and the JSC refuses to discuss the issue of the unilateral suspension of my salary.”
The masthead has contacted the JSC and is waiting for a response.