ActionSA has intensified its call for a full parliamentary inquiry into the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), accusing the institution of persistent failures in high-profile cases. The party’s chairperson, Athol Trollip, has demanded the immediate suspension of NPA head Shamila Batohi, alleging that her leadership has eroded public trust in the prosecuting body.
“Litany of Failures”
During a televised interview, Trollip cited multiple instances of prosecutorial mismanagement, including the botched extradition of key witness Thabiso Zulu in the asbestos corruption case and the collapse of cases against controversial figures such as rape-accused pastor Timothy Omotoso and fraud-accused Shepherd Bushiri.
“The NPA is either incompetent or willfully neglecting its duties,” Trollip asserted. “When case after case is thrown out due to procedural failures, the leadership must be held accountable.”
Batohi Under Fire
ActionSA argues that Batohi, as National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), should face suspension pending a full investigation. Trollip dismissed claims that the NPA’s struggles stem solely from funding shortages, pointing to the costly yet mishandled extradition of Zulu as evidence of deeper dysfunction.
“Funding isn’t the issue when you can fly to the U.S. to extradite a witness but fail to follow legal procedures,” he said.
Political Interference Alleged
Trollip also raised concerns over political interference, suggesting that high-profile cases—including those linked to state capture—are being deliberately stalled. He highlighted the lack of prosecutions following the Zondo Commission’s findings, which exposed R500 billion in alleged corruption during the Jacob Zuma era.
“The NPA is either unwilling or unable to prosecute powerful figures,” he said. “We need an independent anti-corruption unit like the Scorpions, not the watered-down Hawks.”
Opposition Reactions
The DA has proposed a different approach, advocating for legislative reforms—including the “Scorpions 2.0 Bill”—to establish an independent anti-corruption body. DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach argued that systemic issues, rather than Batohi alone, require addressing.
However, Trollip countered that Batohi must take responsibility as the NPA’s leader. “The buck stops with her,” he said, urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to act on her suspension.
Next Steps
ActionSA is pressuring Parliament to launch a formal inquiry into the NPA’s operations. Meanwhile, Batohi has previously defended her tenure, citing chronic underfunding and systemic challenges.
As the debate escalates, the call for accountability grows louder, with critics demanding decisive action to restore confidence in South Africa’s embattled prosecutorial system.