Christopher Pryde, the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, has voiced his frustration regarding the delay in the tribunal hearing set to address the allegations against him. Last month, Jalesi Temo, the Acting Chief Justice and Chair of the Judicial Service Commission, announced that Pryde had been informed of the proposed hearing schedule.
Originally planned for next Monday through August 30, Pryde learned yesterday that these dates have now been postponed. “I have been advised that the proposed tribunal hearing dates of 19 to 31 August 2024 have been vacated,” he stated.
Pryde expressed disappointment that the tribunal, comprised of three judges, has not yet provided him with the necessary disclosures to fully comprehend the charges against him related to his superannuation. He was suspended in April of last year, allegedly for speaking with the former Attorney General at an official event. Over a year later, a claim of overpayment for superannuation was added, a charge he denies.
“I am dismayed that I have still not received the required disclosures and the tribunal is yet to set a hearing date, while my salary remains suspended five weeks after the Prime Minister indicated it should be reinstated,” Pryde commented. He noted that this issue is approaching its 17th month without any resolution, and the Judicial Service Commission has been unresponsive regarding the matter of his suspended salary.
The publication has reached out to the Judicial Service Commission for a response.