Cape Town – Members of the ad hoc parliamentary committee have criticised Shamila Batohi — the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) — after she declined to reveal the identity of a prosecutor alleged to be involved in serious misconduct.
Batohi appeared before the committee on Tuesday following claims by Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KZN provincial police commissioner, who alleged that a criminal network had “infiltrated” the prosecuting authority and other justice‑and‑law‑enforcement institutions.
Batohi acknowledged the timing of her appointment: “I had certainly hoped that at this time in my career, we would have gone further than where we are now…
“This moment that we are at right now should not be squandered. We really use this as a catalyst for comprehensive institutional reform.”
In her testimony she also reflected on the institution she leads: “When there are accusations against any prosecutor, they do not sweep it under the carpet.”
[WATCH] “I will not reveal the name of the prosecutor….” NPA Head, Adv. Shamila Batohi says she received information from the National Commissioner about a member of the prosecution authority who’s involved in organised crime, but refuses to disclose the name.#AdHocCommittee pic.twitter.com/RbCSMdxZRE
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) November 11, 2025
The crux of the committee’s grievance was Batohi’s refusal to name the suspended prosecutor, despite the committee’s insistence.
“I’m not able to say who gave me this intelligence … It was a formal meeting … I’ve briefed both the Minister and President about my concerns,” she said.
Batohi added, “It’s unacceptable and untenable that any member of the prosecuting authority is involved with organised criminality.”
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, meanwhile, had earlier called on the prosecuting authority to “root out rogue prosecutors”, saying: “Where there is no ethics and integrity, institutions collapse — and we’ve seen this during state capture.”
According to reporting, the suspended prosecutor is under investigation by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) and no official charges have yet been revealed publicly.
The committee’s chair voiced the committee’s frustration, “We are wasting our time if we’re not getting names.”
♦️Must Watch♦️
The President and CIC of the EFF, @Julius_S_Malema, calls out Advocate Shamila Batohi for refusing to reveal the name of the person who captured the criminal justice system during the Ad Hoc Committee meeting.
President Malema states that members of the committee… pic.twitter.com/t6oOnLSG1i
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) November 11, 2025
Julius Malema, EFF leader, weighed in during the hearing, condemning Batohi’s refusal to disclose the prosecutor’s identity.
“What is the problem with naming the prosecutor if such allegations exist? … If some have captured the NPA, then South Africa must know who they are and hold them accountable
“A rotten NPA is very dangerous to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. You cannot protect an individual over the constitution. … Just her failure to respond to this question, she must take her bags and go. She’s not going to be useful to us,” he said.
According to reports, the suspended prosecutor is under investigation by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) and no official charges have yet been revealed publicly.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@Brettbenraphael
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
