DA’s Breytenbach blasts Batohi’s ‘blunder-loaded’ NPA reign

Cape Town – Democratic Alliance (DA)’s Justice spokesperson Glynnis Breytenbach has criticised National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi, describing her tenure as “disappointing.”

The head of the NPA has recently come under fire over her tenure as director, following accusations of mishandling several high-profile cases.

According to The Citizen, this comes amid widespread criticism over the NPA’s handling of several high-profile cases, including:

As reported by EWN, Breytenbach expressed disappointment in Batohi’s tenure, saying she had hoped for a more progressive and reform-driven leadership from her as NPA Director.

“It’s disappointing. In fairness, we all hoped she would be a clean broom, and she has done a lot of work to turn the organisation around internally.

“She tried very hard to change the internal culture of the NPA. It’s not a one-woman job. It depends on some of her senior staff, and some of them are people like Andrew Chauke. So, it becomes an impossible task,” the report quoted Breytenbach as saying.

Earlier this month, Breytenbach wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa, urging him to begin the search for a replacement for Batohi, who is nearing retirement and will soon be required to vacate the position.

“The current National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Advocate Shamila Batohi turns 65 in January, upon which she will be forced to retire from her position, Breytenbach said in a statement.

“Failing your immediate action to find her replacement, our prosecuting authority will not have a leader.

“After decades of decline, a vacancy in the position of National Director is the last thing the NPA and South Africans need,” she said.

She has criticised Ramaphosa’s leadership, alleging that the problems within the NPA have worsened under his administration.

“If you were serious about rebuilding an NPA, hollowed out by your predecessor, should we not have seen evidence of a reinvigorated, more capable and competent NPA by now?

“Alas, since you assumed office more than seven and a half years ago, institutional problems within the NPA have deepened while it struggles blindly from one blundered prosecution to the next.

“Empty promises by yourself and your party ring hollow while South Africans suffer,” she wrote.

As a result, she believes South Africans should be given a say in electing the head of the NPA.

“I urge you to fulfil your mandate in starting the process of appointing Adv. Batohi’s replacement immediately.

“Seeing as the quality of your appointment will affect all South Africans, I suggest that you follow a transparent process that incorporates public participation and Parliamentary deliberations in finding candidates for the position,” said Breytenbach.

Compiled by Anda Tolibadi