WATCH | Malema tears into Batohi: ‘She must go if she won’t name the crooked prosecutor’

by Staff Bona

Members of the ad hoc parliamentary committee have criticised Shamila Batohi — the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) — after she declined to reveal the identity of a prosecutor alleged to be involved in serious misconduct.

Shamila appeared before the committee on Tuesday following claims by Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KZN provincial police commissioner, who alleged that a criminal network had “infiltrated” the prosecuting authority and other justice‑and‑law‑enforcement institutions.

Shamila acknowledged the timing of her appointment: “I had certainly hoped that at this time in my career, we would have gone further than where we are now…

“This moment that we are at right now should not be squandered. We really use this as a catalyst for comprehensive institutional reform.”

In her testimony she also reflected on the institution she leads: “When there are accusations against any prosecutor, they do not sweep it under the carpet.”

The crux of the committee’s grievance was Shamila’s refusal to name the suspended prosecutor, despite the committee’s insistence.

“I’m not able to say who gave me this intelligence … It was a formal meeting … I’ve briefed both the Minister and President about my concerns,” she said.

Shamila added, “It’s unacceptable and untenable that any member of the prosecuting authority is involved with organised criminality.”

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, meanwhile, had earlier called on the prosecuting authority to “root out rogue prosecutors”, saying: “Where there is no ethics and integrity, institutions collapse — and we’ve seen this during state capture.”

According to reporting, the suspended prosecutor is under investigation by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) and no official charges have yet been revealed publicly.

The committee’s chair voiced the committee’s frustration, “We are wasting our time if we’re not getting names.”

Julius Malema, EFF leader, weighed in during the hearing, condemning Batohi’s refusal to disclose the prosecutor’s identity.

“What is the problem with naming the prosecutor if such allegations exist? … If some have captured the NPA, then South Africa must know who they are and hold them accountable

“A rotten NPA is very dangerous to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. You cannot protect an individual over the constitution. … Just her failure to respond to this question, she must take her bags and go. She’s not going to be useful to us,” he said.

According to reports, the suspended prosecutor is under investigation by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) and no official charges have yet been revealed publicly.

First published by African Insider

Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele

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