Christopher Pryde, the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), has voiced his frustration regarding the delay in the scheduled tribunal hearing concerning his case. Acting Chief Justice Jalesi Temo, who chairs the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), had previously announced the hearing date, which was set to take place from next Monday until August 30.
However, Mr. Pryde announced yesterday that he has been informed that the hearing dates of August 19 to 31, 2024, have been vacated. He expressed disappointment that the tribunal, comprising three judges assigned to examine the allegations against him, has not yet provided the necessary disclosures for him to fully comprehend the charges, particularly those related to his superannuation.
Pryde was suspended in April of the previous year due to what he characterized as being seen conversing with the former Attorney-General at an official event. He noted that a year later, the JSC introduced an additional charge regarding alleged overpayment of superannuation, which he has denied.
“I am dismayed that I have still not received the required disclosures, and the tribunal has yet to set a hearing date, while my salary remains suspended five weeks after the Prime Minister indicated it should continue,” Pryde said. He added, “This matter is soon to enter its 17th month without resolution, and the JSC is unwilling to address the issue of my salary’s unilateral suspension.”
Efforts to contact the JSC for a response are currently underway.