JOHANNESBURG -  “The constitutional court has already described the Hawks as insufficiently independent. In these circumstances it comes as no surprise that insufficient evidence has been uncovered against highly placed political figure,” he said yesterday.

His comments come in the wake of charges being withdrawn against two senior ANC figures in KwaZulu-Natal.

Last Friday, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) dropped fraud and corruption charges against the speaker of the provincial legislature Peggy Nkonyeni and economic development MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu.

The NPA said they did not have enough evidence to prosecute them. They had been accused of accepting bribes in return for the awarding of a multi-million rand tender.

Opposition parties have criticised the NPA over the decision.

“We are concerned that this seems like a new trend in SA where ANC politicians facing charges go free, while the integrity of the government and judicial system is rendered questionable,” said Democratic Alliance  provincial leader  Sizwe Mchunu yesterday.

He added that his party would consider approaching the public protector to probe the matter.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize said the NPA must account for its decisions to charge, arrest and withdraw these charges.

Provincial NPA spokesman Natasha Ramkisson said: “Upon a thorough and interrogative assessment, available evidence including consultations with some key witnesses, the acting Director of Public Prosecution in consultation with the prosecution team felt there are no prospects of a successful prosecution; therefore these charges cannot be sustained against them during trial,”.