NPA head Shaun Abrahams says he will apply for leave to appeal the High Court ruling on the Zuma Spy Tapes.

PRETORIA - Prosecutions boss Shaun Abrahams has announced that the National Prosecutions Authority (NPA) will appeal the High Court's decision which set aside the withdrawal of criminal charges against President Jacob Zuma.

#NPA #SpyTapes Abrahams: the ruling needs the deacon of the Appeal Court. It has far-reaching consequences. BB — EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) May 23, 2016

The High Court in Pretoria ruled last month that the 2009 decision to withdraw charges was irrational.

Then acting prosecutions boss Mokotedi Mpshe withdrew the charges after considering representations from Zuma, among them the so-called Spy Tapes.

Abrahams says the decision by the court affects the legally protected discretion of prosecutors, to decide whether to prosecutor or not.

"This is an important matter of principle which affects all prosecutions. I believe it needs a decision from an appeal court."

Abrahams says he consulted widely.

"My decision has been made after much consideration, consultation with senior members of the National Prosecuting Authority and after obtaining legal advice from senior counsel."

#NPA #SpyTapes Abrahams: I have read the high court ruling and considered whether there are grounds for an appeal to SCA. BB — EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) May 23, 2016

#NPA #SpyTapes Abrahams: whatever decision I make, it will illicit criticism. But it is not my job to please. BB — EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) May 23, 2016

The NPA head believes the national director of prosecutions is best placed make these decisions, not the courts.

"It is the national director who is best positioned to weigh the seriousness of abuse within his or her hierarchy."

He goes on to say that this was not the only ground upon which an appeal is being sought.

Addressing questions surrounding report that Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan was facing imminent arrest, Abrahams says the minister is not a suspect in the so-called rogue unit investigation.