The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is facing mounting criticism over its handling of high-profile corruption cases, with political party Action SA leading protests demanding the removal of National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Batohi.
This week, Action SA marched to the Department of Justice in Pretoria, urging Justice Minister Mamoloko Kubayi to request President Cyril Ramaphosa to initiate proceedings to oust Batohi. The party cited slow progress in prosecuting corruption cases linked to the Zondo Commission’s State Capture findings as a key grievance.
Batohi, alongside heads of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), appeared before Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) to address systemic challenges hindering prosecutions for corruption and complex crimes.
Experts Weigh In on NPA Challenges
Dr. Jean Redpath, a senior researcher at the University of the Western Cape’s Dullah Omar Institute for Constitutional Law, acknowledged the NPA’s struggles but cautioned against blaming Batohi alone.
“The NPA operates within a flawed legislative framework that leaves it vulnerable to inefficiencies,” Redpath said. She highlighted issues such as bureaucratic hiring processes, salary disparities, and a lack of resources as key obstacles.
Redpath also noted that court backlogs, worsened by COVID-19 lockdowns, have delayed cases significantly, with some matters now taking twice as long to conclude.
Allegations of Infiltration and Corruption
Batohi previously raised concerns about possible “infiltration” within the NPA, later clarifying that she meant some officials were misaligned with the institution’s values. Redpath supported this, citing cases of prosecutors involved in fraudulent activities.
However, she dismissed calls for Batohi’s removal as counterproductive, stating, “It would create unnecessary instability.” Batohi’s term ends early next year.
What’s Next?
As pressure mounts, the NPA’s ability to address corruption remains under scrutiny. While critics demand faster action, experts argue that systemic reforms—not leadership changes—are needed to restore public trust in South Africa’s prosecutorial system.