National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head Shamila Batohi is expected to testify before Parliament’s Ad Hoc committee on Tuesday, where she will face questions about the NPA’s effectiveness and independence amid mounting concerns over corruption and political interference in South Africa’s justice system.
Batohi, who has led the NPA since 2019, is appearing as part of the committee’s ongoing hearings into criminal infiltration within state institutions.
Her testimony comes days after Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) head Advocate Andrea Johnson concluded her evidence last week. Johnson’s appearance focused on the challenges of prosecuting high-profile corruption cases and the overlap between investigative and prosecutorial functions within the NPA.
The committee met on Monday to deliberate on its interim report, reviewing progress since its formation and finalising the programme for the next round of witness appearances.
Chairperson Bheki Lekganyane confirmed that Batohi’s testimony would help clarify how the NPA is addressing systemic failures and what reforms are needed to strengthen its prosecutorial integrity.
Batohi is expected to respond to questions about the NPA’s handling of politically sensitive cases, delays in the prosecution of major state capture-related trials, and concerns over institutional independence following years of internal instability.
The committee is also expected to press her on the agency’s coordination with the Hawks, IDAC, and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
Her appearance precedes that of alleged crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is scheduled to testify later this month from Kgosi Mampuru II C-Max Prison — marking the first time a criminally accused individual will address a parliamentary inquiry of this nature.
The Ad Hoc committee, established earlier this year, continues to investigate claims of corruption and interference affecting South Africa’s criminal justice agencies.
Its mandate includes assessing allegations of political manipulation in high-profile prosecutions and the possible infiltration of state institutions by organised crime networks.
Batohi’s testimony today is expected to provide crucial insights into how the NPA plans to restore public confidence and ensure accountability within the justice system.
Watch the live stream of the Ad Hoc committee hearing below.
