Heated exchanges marked the latest hearings of Parliament's AD HOC Committee investigating corruption and political interference in South Africa's justice system. National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi admitted the country is losing the fight against organised crime, while Police Ministry Chief of Staff Cedrick Nkabinde faced accusations of misleading testimony. The committee plans to resume next week amid ongoing scrutiny.
The AD HOC Committee, tasked with probing corruption and political interference in the justice system, experienced intense tensions during recent sessions as key witnesses underwent rigorous questioning from Members of Parliament.
On Tuesday, Shamila Batohi, the National Director of Public Prosecutions, testified on the battle against organised crime. She conceded that South Africa is losing ground, stating the criminal justice system is broken and leaving citizens vulnerable. Batohi admitted that racketeering prosecutions are too few to build public confidence. When pressed on naming prosecutors allegedly implicated in corruption, she cited confidential intelligence and refused, prompting EFF leader Julius Malema to ask, “What’s wrong with giving names?”
The Gupta extradition case drew criticism as an embarrassment, with Batohi promising, “Additional charges will be added soon, before I leave office.” MPs also sought updates on the Phala Phala matter involving President Cyril Ramaphosa, to which Batohi replied it is under review by the Specialised Commercial Crimes Unit. Delays in the Senzo Meyiwa trial were attributed to police infighting, and Batohi highlighted resource shortages at the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) in handling the Tembisa Hospital tender case. She confirmed the NPA is reviewing withdrawn cases against alleged cartel kingpins, including Katiso KT Molefe and Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala. With her term ending in January, Batohi noted unfinished business remains.
Cedrick Nkabinde, Chief of Staff in the Police Ministry, faced sharp rebuke for incoherent testimony. Sworn in, he described facilitating two meetings between Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, currently on special leave, and Brown Mogotsi. However, discrepancies emerged when Nkabinde claimed a call from Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on September 30 during a Lusikisiki visit—a date later proven incorrect. Confronted, he admitted fabricating details because his devices were confiscated. The hearing adjourned in confusion, and Committee Chair Soviet Lekganyane announced Nkabinde's recall as a key witness.
The hearings are set to resume next week as the probe into systemic issues continues.