Vetting processes have the potential to be misused-CJ :: Mmegi Online

Chief Justice (CJ) Terrence Rannowane has said that vetting of public officers especially in the judiciary and the security sector must be treated with outmost sensitivity to “avoid political infiltration and undermining the independence of the judiciary”.

He believes the process should be adapted to the specific needs of the society. Furthermore, he said the vetting exercise should include public consultations to ensure appropriateness of the process and to re-establish civic trust and restore legitimacy of public institutions.

Vetting ordinarily refers to a process of assessing integrity to determine suitability for public employment. “Vetting has the specific aim of transforming institutions involved in serious abuses into public bodies that enjoy civic trust and protect human rights. The public, in particular victims of abuses, is unlikely to rely on institutions that retain or hire individuals with serious integrity deficits,” said the CJ.

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