MKP calls for Batohi’s head over NPA ‘failures’
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has demanded the immediate resignation of National Prosecuting Authority head Shamila Batohi, accusing her of failing to lead a competent institution.
The call came during Batohi’s appearance before Parliament on Friday, where she briefed the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development about the NPA’s handling of the high-profile Timothy Omotoso case.
The controversial Nigerian pastor was acquitted last month by the Gqeberha High Court on 32 serious charges, including rape, human trafficking, and racketeering.
The court found that the prosecution failed to present a coherent and credible case.
MK Party Member of Parliament Mzwanele Manyi was direct in his criticism, calling for Batohi to step down immediately.
“For us as the MK Party, we want to just put it on record that if by the end of this meeting, that Advocate Batohi does not voluntarily submit her resignation as we close this meeting, we would have approached the appointing authority to start the process to remove Batohi. I think enough is enough,” said Manyi.
Manyi linked the Omotoso case to what he described as a pattern of high-profile failures under Batohi’s leadership.
He cited the unresolved murders of Senzo Meyiwa and AKA, the failed extradition of controversial preacher Shepherd Bushiri, and the botched attempt to bring the Gupta brothers to justice.
“The NPA has failed in the extradition of the Guptas, they were using defective warrants, and the court has ruled on this. The NPA has failed in even doing a proper risk assessment on Bushiri to check if he is a flight risk or not. We are sitting now with a fugitive in Malawi,” said Manyi.
He accused the NPA of operating without results and said its credibility has collapsed under Batohi’s tenure.
“We are still waiting to hear what Advocate Batohi is going to say about the ‘fake it until you make it’ charade her people are doing there. Now she has bungled the Omotoso case,” he added.
The NPA has acknowledged the blow the Omotoso ruling has dealt to public confidence and its broader efforts.
Batohi admitted the judgment raised serious concerns but confirmed that the NPA would appeal the decision.
“The prosecution can only appeal on the points of law and not the point of fact. We appointed independent senior councils from the Bishu bar in order to provide advice on this issue,” Batohi explained.
She also said the prosecution team has been reinforced and that the authority remains committed to restoring credibility in handling serious and sensitive cases.
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