Frustrating the ends of justice won’t be tolerated, warns new NPA head
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed former KwaZulu-Natal top
prosecutor Shamila Batohi as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions
(NDPP).
Ramaphosa made the announcement at the Union Buildings on Tuesday.
Her appointment comes after the Constitutional Court set aside the appointment of Advocate Shaun Abrahams and ordered Ramaphosa to appoint a new head of the National Prosecuting Authority within 90 days.
The NPA has been fighting to regain its credibility after being accused of fighting political battles.
“I am confident that Advocate Batohi possesses all the attributes of a capable NDPP. Throughout her extensive career and the selection process, she has shown herself to be a fit and proper person. She started her public service as a junior prosecutor at the Chatsworth magistrates court in 1986 and steadily rose through the ranks to become the director of public prosecutions in KZN, she was seconded by to the investigation task unit established by president Nelson Mandela in 1995.
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"For much of the last decade, she has served as senior legal advisor to the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. As the NPA Act requires she has the experience, the consciousness, and integrity to be entrusted with the responsibility of being the next NDPP,” said Ramaphosa.
He said despite the challenges faced by the NPA, it still has men and women who are dedicated to doing their jobs.
Batohi had strong words for those who "insist on frustrating the ends of justice".
“Enough has been said elsewhere on crises and divisions within the NPA. Suffice it to be said here that those elements within and without who insist on frustrating the ends of justice and ultimately the nation will not be tolerated. We in the NPA have important work to do which includes devoting our efforts to holding accountable those who have corrupted our institutions, betrayed the public good and the values of our constitution for private gain especially those in the most privileged positions of government and cooperative power,” she said.
She said public confidence in the work of the NPA is non-negotiable.
Batohi stated that she is aware the work that lies ahead will not be easy, but with the support of the public, it will be successful.