Latest news with #Batohi
IOL News
2 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Political parties demand Batohi's accountability amid NPA sabotage allegations
The National Prosecuting Authority under Advocate Shamila Batohi is facing significant challenges. Image: Henk Kruger National prosecutions boss Shamila Batohi is facing renewed criticism from several parties, including the EFF, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party and ActionSA, over her recent statements about sabotage within the NPA. Last week Batohi, responding to criticism over several embarrassing defeats in high-profile cases said there had been "infiltration" of the prosecution service, but later backtracked, saying she had used the wrong term and instead that certain cases were being deliberately sabotaged. Despite the backtracking by Batohi, the parties remain unconvinced and are demanding accountability, saying if there is sabotage then this happened under her watch and she should take responsibility by stepping down. The MK Party on Monday expressed concern over Batohi's statements, emphasising the need for transparency and accountability within the NPA. 'We are the first ones to call for her (Batohi) head. It's been three weeks since we made that call. She has shown that she is incompetent and therefore must go,' MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Last week the EFF wrote to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, requesting an urgent debate on what it believes is an institutional crisis at the NPA. This comes after the NPA was dealt a major blow in the case against former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule when the court ruled that the extradition from the US of his former PA, Moroadi Colota, was invalid. The NPA has also been slammed for bungling the case against Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, who was acquitted on more than 30 charges of sexual assault. The NPA's failure to secure the extradition of the Gupta brothers, nearly a decade after the Gupta Leaks scandal, has also raised questions about the authority's effectiveness. The EFF said Batohi's remarks suggest undue influence is being exerted on the NPA, compromising its ability to secure justice and accountability. "This is not a casual institutional complaint. It is a constitutional red flag of the highest order," the EFF said. "An assertion from the NDPP herself that the NPA has been infiltrated should send shockwaves throughout every organ of state," the letter read. ActionSA parliamentary leader Athol Trollip called for Batohi's immediate removal, citing the NPA's repeated failures in high-profile cases. "The NPA has become a refuge for politically connected individuals, a place where accountability is avoided, justice is delayed, and prosecutions collapse with shocking regularity. "Under Batohi's leadership, the NPA reels from one scandal to the next. South Africans are left wondering if these failures are merely a result of incompetence, or is there a deliberate agenda to protect the corrupt,' Trollip said. NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga did not answer questions on Monday. Batohi had said that if she felt she was underperforming, then she would step down immediately. The DA has also expressed concerns about the NPA's failures but has stopped short of calling for Batohi's removal. Instead, the party wants Batohi to explain the failures. The DA last week announced a reform package aimed at rescuing the NPA and restoring justice for victims of corruption. According to the DA, the NPA is currently "broken" and has failed to secure successful prosecutions in high-profile corruption cases. To address these issues, the DA's Spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development, Glynnis Breytenbach, proposes a series of reforms.
IOL News
19 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
EFF, MKP demand accountability from Shamila Batohi over NPA sabotage claims
The National Prosecuting Authority under Advocate Shamila Batohi is facing significant challenges. Image: Henk Kruger National prosecutions boss Shamila Batohi is facing renewed criticism from several parties, including the EFF, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party and ActionSA, over her recent statements about sabotage within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Last week Batohi, responding to intense criticism over several embarrassing defeats in high-profile cases said there had been "infiltration" of the prosecution service but later backtracked, saying she had use the wrong term and instead that certain cases were being deliberately sabotaged. Despite the backtracking by Batohi, the parties remain unconvinced and are demanding accountability, saying if there is sabotage then this happened under her watch and she should take responsibility by stepping down. The MK Party, on Monday, expressed concern over Batohi's statements, emphasising the need for transparency and accountability within the NPA. 'We are the first ones to call for her (Batohi) head. It's been three weeks since we made that call. She has shown that she is incompetent and therefore must go,' MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Last week the EFF wrote to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, requesting an urgent debate on what it believes is an institutional crisis at the NPA. There is concern after the NPA was dealt a major blow in the case against former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule when the court ruled that the extradition from the US of his former PA, Moroadi Colota, was invalid. The NPA has also been slammed for bungling the case against Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, who was acquitted on more than 30 charges of sexual assault. The NPA's failure to secure the extradition of the Gupta brothers, nearly a decade after the Gupta Leaks scandal, has also raised questions about the authority's effectiveness. The EFF said Batohi's remarks suggest undue influence is being exerted on the NPA, compromising its ability to secure justice and accountability. "This is not a casual institutional complaint. It is a constitutional red flag of the highest order," the EFF said. "An assertion from the NDPP herself that the NPA has been infiltrated should send shockwaves throughout every organ of state," the letter read. ActionSA parliamentary leader Athol Trollip called for Batohi's immediate removal, citing the NPA's repeated failures in high-profile cases. "The NPA has become a refuge for politically connected individuals, a place where accountability is avoided, justice is delayed, and prosecutions collapse with shocking regularity. "Under Batohi's leadership, the NPA reels from one scandal to the next. South Africans are left wondering if these failures are merely a result of incompetence, or is there a deliberate agenda to protect the corrupt,' Trollip said. NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga did not answer questions sent Monday. Batohi had said that if she felt she was underperforming, then she would step down immediately. However, the parties are not satisfied with her explanation and are demanding that she take responsibility. The DA has expressed concerns about the NPA's failures but has stopped short of calling for Batohi's removal. Instead, the party wants Batohi to explain the failures. The DA last week announced a reform package aimed at rescuing the NPA and restoring justice for victims of corruption. According to the DA, the NPA is currently "broken" and has failed to secure successful prosecutions in high-profile corruption cases. To address these issues, the DA's Spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development, Glynnis Breytenbach, proposes a series of reforms.
The South African
2 days ago
- Politics
- The South African
Shamila Batohi 'in hot water' over infiltration claims at NPA
ActionSA has called for the immediate removal of National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) boss Shamila Batohi over 'prosecutorial failures'. The call comes as Batohi, the outgoing National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), admitted this week that there is political interference in the work of the NPA and that it has been infiltrated. Apart from that, the NPA has been in the spotlight for prosecutorial failures in major cases, especially the acquittal of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso and the extradition of former Free State Premier Ace Magashule's assistant Moroadi Cholota. In an interview with Newzroom Afrika , Batohi said the NPA has been infiltrated and captured by people who do not have the rule of law at heart. Batohi said they are having internal challenges; some prosecutors may not be aligned with the vision of really fighting for the rule of law in this country. However, she refused to divulge who had captured the institution, how it was captured, and the extent of the interference. Regarding failure to extradite the Gupta brothers, fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri, and possibly Timothy Omotoso, Shamila Batohi said none of the extradition challenges in these cases are because of the NPA. ActionSA has since demanded a full parliamentary inquiry into the NPA's ongoing prosecutorial failures and the extent to which political interference has affected its operations. The party said the NPA has once again exposed its deep dysfunction, either through incompetence or wilful neglect, with the latest disgrace being the collapse of the asbestos corruption case involving former Free State Premier, Ace Magashule, due to the unlawful and irregular handling of the extradition of his former personal assistant, Moroadi Cholota. 'This is not an isolated blunder, but part of a disturbing and entrenched pattern. The NPA has become a refuge for the politically connected, a place where accountability is avoided, justice is delayed, and prosecutions collapse with shocking regularity,' ActionSA leader in Parliament, Atholl Trollip, said. 'Under Shamila Batohi's leadership, the NPA reels from one scandal to the next. South Africans are left wondering if these failures are merely a result of incompetence or if there is a deliberate agenda to protect the corrupt. Let us be clear that this is not just about one failed case. 'The pattern is undeniable. From the Phala Phala saga to the collapse of high-profile cases like Timothy Omotoso, Shepherd Bushiri, and the Estina Dairy Project, the list of prosecutorial disasters grows longer by the day. Most damning is the NPA's failure to secure the extradition of the Gupta brothers, nearly a decade after the Gupta Leaks shook the nation,' Trollip added. Following Batohi's interviews, the EFF said it has written to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, demanding a debate on Batohi's claims. The party said the crisis at the NPA is not only one of infiltration, it is one of denial, incompetence and weak leadership. 'No transformation of the criminal justice system will be possible if its leadership refuses to acknowledge its own failures while hiding behind platitudes of institutional rebuilding. 'It is clear that Batohi has never had a coherent plan, no control over her institution, and no political will to confront the forces undermining the rule of law in South Africa. Her tenure has been marked by delays, deflections, deterioration, and disappointment,' the EFF said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Batohi could appear in parliament to explain allegations of corruption inside the NPA
Batohi's statements have ignited some curiosity on the challenges of the NPA. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) wants the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Batohi to appear before parliament next week to give more details about allegations of rogue elements inside the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). During an interview this week with a local broadcaster, Batohi said she was concerned that the NPA had been infiltrated by individuals who do not have the best interests of the rule of law at heart. She also said there were systematic challenges, but also internal and external agendas that affect the function of the NPA. The state lawyers have been under attack from both the public and political parties for mishandling major cases, especially those involving high-profile figures and politicians. In a letter to the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, the EFF stated that the NDPP must furnish Parliament with information on rogue activities at the NPA, if indeed they exist. 'We therefore respectfully request that the Portfolio Committee convene an urgent meeting on Tuesday, 10 June 2025, for the express purpose of engaging Advocate Shamila Batohi on her public statements and allowing Members of Parliament to exercise their oversight responsibilities. In the spirit of transparency and full accountability. 'Advocate Batohi must explain what she meant by infiltration, what forms of manipulation she is facing, what forces—internal or external—are hindering her work, and what corrective or protective steps have been taken,' the party said. The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development should take responsibility for the NPA The party said it also wanted the Minister of Justice to be present at this meeting. 'The attendance of the Minister is essential, not only because section 179(6) of the Constitution requires that the Cabinet member responsible for the administration of justice exercise final responsibility over the NPA, but also because the potential political implications of the NDPP's statement need to be evaluated in the context of executive accountability. 'The Minister must brief the Committee on what measures are in place to safeguard the NPA from infiltration, how vetting is conducted for senior appointments, and whether any recent developments have prompted internal investigations or interdepartmental correspondence regarding institutional integrity.' The EFF said a weakened NPA isa poor reflection on the state. 'The NPA stands at the frontline of holding the corrupt accountable and ensuring justice for victims of serious crimes, including femicide, sexual violence, and complex financial crimes. 'If the prosecutorial arm is compromised, the entire justice system is compromised.' ALSO READ: A national embarrassment? 'Scorpions 2.0' bill pitched to save failing NPA Why is it so difficult to do this job? Meanwhile, Batohi had said she would meet with President Cyril Ramaphosa to express her concerns about the challenges the NPA faces. 'This is something that I am going to take up with the executive we need to understand exactly what is going on and why it is sometimes so difficult to do this job. 'Because you have all the challenges of the system, but you also have agendas externally and internally, this is a serious concern for me,' she said. NOW READ: NPA 'infiltrated by those against the rule of law' – Batohi says
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Shamila Batohi faces pressure to clarify NPA interference claims
National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi is under fire following a string of recent high-profile failures by the National Prosecuting Authority. Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers Outgoing National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Batohi is facing mounting pressure to provide details of her claims that there is political interference in the work of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). In an interview this week, Batohi had said: 'The NPA has been infiltrated by people who do not have the rule of law at heart. 'We are having internal challenges; some prosecutors may not be aligned with the vision of really fighting for the rule of law in this country.' Calls for Batohi to be summoned to Parliament to provide explanations follow a difficult period for the NPA during which the authority has bungled a number of high-profile cases. The latest was the Free State High Court declaring the extradition of former Free State premier and ex-ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule's personal assistant, Moroadi Cholota, from the US unlawful as it did not have a valid and lawful request by the Justice Ministry. As a result of Judge Phillip Loubser's ruling, Cholota cannot face trial in the controversial R255 million tender to audit and replace asbestos roofs in the province alongside her former boss and several other individuals and companies. The NPA plans to appeal against the judgment. Another recent prominent case that intensified pressure on Batohi, who is reportedly due to retire when she turns 65 in January, was the acquittal of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso of multiple charges of rape, human trafficking, and racketeering in April. On Friday, the EFF wrote to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and Xola Nqola, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, demanding an urgent parliamentary debate on Batohi's allegations of infiltration in the NPA. Additionally, the EFF wants the portfolio committee to schedule an urgent meeting and was not calling for punitive or reactionary action. 'This is not a casual institutional complaint. It is a constitutional red flag of the highest order. An assertion from the NDPP herself that the NPA has been infiltrated should send shockwaves throughout every organ of state,' the party said. The EFF warned that the assertions have direct consequences for the rule of law, the integrity of South Africa's criminal justice system, the fight against corruption and gender-based violence, and public trust in the country's democracy. The urgent meeting should be held on Tuesday, June 10, and also requested Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi to be invited to attend, provide policy-level responses and inform the committee of the department's position and possible interventions on the matter, according to the EFF. It requested Didiza to exercise her authority under the National Assembly's rules to approve an urgent debate on 'the implications of the NDPP's public statement regarding infiltration of the NPA and the threat it poses to South Africa's justice system, rule of law, and constitutional democracy'. ActionSA parliamentary leader Athol Trollip said the party was alarmed and called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove Batohi immediately. He said the NPA has failed to prosecute Ramaphosa for not declaring foreign currency stolen at his Phala Phala farm in 2020, which was later stolen, fugitive self-proclaimed Malawian prophet Shepherd Bushiri, and secure the extradition of the fugitive Gupta brothers, among others. 'The NPA has become a refuge for politically connected individuals, a place where accountability is avoided, justice is delayed, and prosecutions collapse with shocking regularity. Under Batohi's leadership, the NPA reels from one scandal to the next,' added Trollip. ActionSA will write to Kubayi demanding urgent intervention and the commencement of a process to remove Batohi in terms of the NPA Act. [email protected]
