EFF pressures Batohi to reveal truth behind ‘rogue elements’ in NPA

Shamila Batohi

Cape Town – The EFF has called for National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Batohi to appear before Parliament on 10 June 2025 to explain her recent claims about infiltration and rogue elements within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

In a recent interview, Batohi expressed concerns over internal and external agendas undermining the NPA’s ability to function, suggesting that individuals inside the organisation may not uphold the rule of law.

“I have not had interference from any members of the executive whilst I have been the national director. But what I do want to say is that there are other issues that I can’t really speak about that actually makes me worry sometimes,” she said during an interview with Newzroom Afrika on Thursday.

“That the NPA is actually being infiltrated by people that do not have the rule of law at heart. I don’t sleep comfortably at night because of that, not because I think that the NPA is a failing organisation…

“I am concerned about the attacks on the NPA, on the national director… It’s something that I’m going to take up very very seriously with the executive. We need to actually understand exactly what is going on and why it is sometimes so difficult to do this job.”

The EFF wants Batohi to clarify what she meant by “infiltration,” describe the nature of the manipulation she faces, and outline what steps have been taken to protect the NPA.

“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,” said the EFF,

They are also demanding the presence of the Minister of Justice, citing constitutional obligations and the need for executive accountability.

The EFF warned that a compromised NPA threatens the integrity of the entire justice system, which is responsible for prosecuting serious crimes like corruption, femicide, and financial misconduct.

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