NPA
The High Court in Bloemfontein has authorised the final forfeiture of six luxury properties and a high-end SUV worth R32 million linked to the irregular Free State asbestos tender. The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the order.
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Andy Mothibi, the newly appointed National Director of Public Prosecutions, has outlined plans to make South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority fully independent from political oversight. During his first media briefing in Pretoria on 12 March, he announced a draft amendment to the NPA Act for tabling in Parliament next financial year.
The legal counsel for suspended Gauteng DPP Andrew Chauke has criticized NPA head Shamila Batohi for failing to exercise due diligence in a 2010 murder case. Advocate Thembeka Ngcukaitobi highlighted overlooked evidence in the acquittal of a police officer accused of killing a teenager. Batohi acknowledged unawareness of key reports but pledged further investigation.
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Advocate Hermione Cronje delivered candid critiques of the National Prosecuting Authority during her interview for National Director of Public Prosecutions on December 11. She described a skills catastrophe and institutional dysfunction, emphasizing the need for honest reform. Her forthrightness contrasted with other candidates amid a rushed selection process.