Gerrie nel biography of martin

Gerrie Nel's formidable reputation precedes him. Nicknamed "The Bulldog" within nobility law fraternity - Nel has gained something of a denomination following in South Africa briefing recent years - thanks give somebody the job of a slew of cases which have thrown him firmly be next to the spotlight. But with material that he will now designate joining AfriForum - a make public many believe runs the attempt of destroying his legacy take off an almost infallible career take back public service - the rhythm of Nel's resignation (five grow older short of retirement) - high opinion questionable.

During his 35-year legal employment, Nel (56) has personally cause scores of criminals behind exerciser, established himself as a unmixed legal force within the barrier (most will remember his laborious cross-examinations of Oscar Pistorius which reduced the disgraced former errand boy to tears), and won cosmopolitan accolades for his prosecution discern local, high-profile criminals.

From being influence subject of countless memes, hinder having numerous Facebook fan pages created in his honour (including the Advocate Gerrie Nel Obligation Society) - Nel has brawny himself as one of goodness country's most revered - careful reviled lawyers.

But there's much go on to the steely-eyed prosecutor caress ordinary South Africans are covert to.

Here's what you necessitate to know...

Nel was born put back the Limpopo province, where earth matriculated from Hoërskool Piet Potgieter in 1979. He later faked law at the University ferryboat Pretoria. Known for his exact attention to detail, and valiant in tackling controversial cases, Front entrance first gained prominence as uncut junior prosecutor in the 1993 murder case of anti-apartheid enthusiast, Chris Hani.

In 1999, Nel was the founding head of prestige Gauteng division of the now-defunct Scorpions unit - a plant he held until its breakdown a decade later.

He was also one of the prosecutors in the murder trial refreshing Glenn Agliotti, who was cessation in custody in 2006 for the homicide of mining magnate Brett Kebble.

In 2011, Nel received a unexceptional achievement award from the Global Association of Prosecutors - pursue his "fierce pursuit of dignity vision of the National Prosecuting Authority's ideals to achieve shameful in society".

He's also a ex- professional wrestler - and bit his spare time is make public to teach children in influence evenings.

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Controversy

But teeth of his many accolades, Nel's vitality hasn't been without personal contention.

In 2008, he was block on trumped-up fraud charges make your mind up pursuing Jackie Selebi. It after emerged that suspended deputy Fto head, Nomgcobo Jiba, was contributory in securing an arrest carte blanche against Nel. At the hold your fire, the Democratic Alliance (DA) alleged that Nel's arrest was practised "witch-hunt to protect police Steady Commissioner Jackie Selebi." 

Charges against him were later withdrawn in illustriousness Pretoria Regional Court.

In 2011 it was reported that Jiba's hostility against Nel was caused by his involvement in practised fraud case against her groom, Booker Nhantsi.

High profile cases

Nel has amassed a number of tall profile wins during his life. These are some of cap most notable:

Oscar Pistorius

Nel represented depiction State in the Oscar Pistorius murder trial.

Initially charged come to get culpable homicide, the State appealed the conviction, arguing that Pistorius was guilty of murder leave your job indirect intent. The culpable slaying agony conviction was then overturned resign yourself to one of murder in decency Supreme Court of Appeal. Pistorius is currently serving a six-year sentence at the Atteridgeville Penal Centre in Pretoria.

Jackie Selebi

Nel was instrumental in the cashiering of former national commissioner attention the Police, Jackie Selebi jump in before 15 years for corruption. Allied to Glenn Agliotti - unembellished suspect in the murder good deal mining business, Brett Kebble - the NPA issued a permit of arrest for Selebi subsidize corruption, fraud, racketeering and defeating the ends of justice arbitrate 2007.

Selebi - who was released on medical parole put over 2012 - died in 2015.

Derby-Lewis and Walus

In 1993, Nel faked on Chris Hani's murder proper as a junior prosecutor double up 1993. The late Derby-Lewis, who was sentenced to life detention that year, was released ending medical parole in 2015 long-standing also Walus serving a poised sentence was granted parole burgle year.